iRNA Agents Targeting VEGF

ABSTRACT

The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/043,228 (allowed) filed Mar. 8, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/340,080 filed Jan. 25, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,919,473, issued Apr. 5, 2011, and of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/078,073 filed Mar. 11, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,659, issued May 24, 2011; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/340,080 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/078,073; this application and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/340,080 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/078,073 claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/552,620, filed Mar. 12, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/559,824, filed Apr. 5, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/647,191, filed Jan. 25, 2005. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Sep. 13, 2012, is named 21734US_CRF_sequencelisting.txt, and is 493,440 bytes in size.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the filed of iRNA agents that can inhibit expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The invention also relates to the use of siRNA targeting VEGF sequences to treat conditions or disorders related to unwanted expression of VEGF, e.g., age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND

VEGF (also known as vascular permeability factor, VPF) is a multifunctional cytokine that stimulates angiogenesis, epithelial cell proliferation, and endothelial cell survival. VEGF can be produced by a wide variety of tissues, and its overexpression or aberrant expression can result in a variety disorders, including retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, cancer, asthma, and other angiogenic disorders.

Macular degeneration is a major cause of blindness in the United States and the frequency of this disorder increases with age. Macular degeneration refers to the group of diseases in which sight-sensing cells in the macular zone of the retina malfunction or loose function and which can result in debilitating loss of vital central or detail vision. Adult macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common form of macular degeneration, occurs in two main forms. Ninety percent of people with AMD have the form described as “dry” macular degeneration. An area of the retina is affected, which leads to slow breakdown of cells in the macula, and a gradual loss of central vision. The other form of AMD is “wet” macular degeneration. Although only 10% of people with AMD have this type, it accounts for 90% of blindness from the disease. As dry AMD progresses, new blood vessels may begin to grow and cause “wet” AMD. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid under the macula. This causes rapid damage to the macula that can lead to loss of central vision in a short time. iRNA agents targeting VEGF can be useful for the treatment of wet and dry macular degeneration.

RNA interference or “RNAi” is a term initially coined by Fire and co-workers to describe the observation that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can block gene expression when it is introduced into worms (Fire et al., Nature 391:806-811, 1998). Short dsRNA directs gene-specific, post-transcriptional silencing in many organisms, including vertebrates, and has provided a new tool for studying gene function. RNAi has been suggested as a method of developing a new class of therapeutic agents. However, to date, these have remained mostly as suggestions with no demonstrate proof that RNAi can be used therapeutically.

The present invention advances the art by providing a detailed gene walk across the VEGF gene and a detailed structural analysis of modifications that can be employed to stabilize the molecule against degradation and increase cellular uptake and targeting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of VEGF. The invention provides compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of VEGF activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules, which collectively fall under the general term of iRNA agents. The iRNA agents can be unmodified or chemically-modified nucleic acid molecules. The iRNA agents can be chemically synthesized or expressed from a vector or enzymatically synthesized. The invention provides various chemically-modified synthetic iRNA agents capable of modulating VEGF gene expression or activity in cells and in a mammal by RNAi. The use of a chemically-modified iRNA agent can improve one or more properties of an iRNA agent through increased resistance to degradation, increased specificity to target moieties, improved cellular uptake, and the like.

In one aspect, the invention provides an iRNA agent that down-regulates expression of a VEGF gene. The VEGF gene can include a VEGF encoding sequence and/or VEGF regulatory sequences such as may exist 5′ or 3′ of a VEGF open reading frame (ORF).

In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated iRNA agent including a sense and antisense sequence, where the sense and antisense sequences can form an RNA duplex. The sense sequence can include a nucleotide sequence that is identical or substantially identical to a target sequence of about 19 to 23 nucleotides of a VEGF sequence. In one embodiment, the VEGF sequence that is targeted includes the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs:2-401 (see Table 1).

In one embodiment, the sense sequence of the iRNA agent includes a sequence identical or substantially identical to any of the VEGF target sequences, e.g., substantially identical to any of sense sequences provided in Table 1, SEQ ID NOs:2-401. In another embodiment, the antisense sequence of the iRNA agent can include a sequence complementary to or substantially complementary to, any of the target sequences, e.g., complementary to any of SEQ ID NOs:2-401. By “substantially identical” is meant that the mismatch between the nucleotide sequences is less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1%. Preferably, no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides differ between the target sequence and sense sequence. Furthermore, sequences that are “complementary” to each other (e.g., sense and antisense sequences) can be fully complementary, or can have no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides that lack full complementarity.

In one embodiment, the sense and antisense pairs of sequences of an iRNA agent includes any one of the agents provided in Table 2, or a sequence which differs in the sense strand from the recited sequence by no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides, or in the antisense strand by no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides, or in both strands by no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides.

In one preferred embodiment, the sense sequence of an iRNA agent includes a sequence that is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:456, SEQ ID NO:550, SEQ ID NO:608, and SEQ ID NO:634, or a sequence that differs from the recited sequence by no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides.

In another embodiment, the antisense sequence of the iRNA agent includes a sequence fully complementary or substantially complementary to any of the VEGF target sequences, e.g., complementary or substantially complementary to any of SEQ ID NOs:2-401.

In another embodiment, the antisense sequence of an iRNA agent includes a sequence selected from the group consisting any of the antisense sequences provided in Table 2, or a sequence which differs from the recited sequence by no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides. In a preferred embodiment, this antisense sequence is fully complementary to a sense sequence or has no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotide mismatches with the sense sequence.

In a preferred embodiment, the antisense sequence of an iRNA agent includes a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:457, SEQ ID NO:551, SEQ ID NO:609, and SEQ ID NO:635, or a sequence that differs from the recited sequence by no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides.

In another embodiment, the iRNA agent is chemically modified. For example, the iRNA agent can include a non-nucleotide moiety. A chemical modification or other non-nucleotide moiety can stabilize the sense and antisense sequences against nucleolytic degradation. Additionally, conjugates can be used to increase uptake and target uptake of the iRNA agent to particular cell types. Preferred modifications include those specifically provided in the Examples, Tables 6-18.

In another embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a 3′-overhang that ranges from 1 to about 6 nucleotides. As used herein, a “3′ overhang” refers to at least one unpaired nucleotide extending from the 3′ end of an iRNA sequence. The 3′ overhang can include ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides or modified ribonucleotides or modified deoxyribonucleotides. The 3′ overhang is preferably from 1 to about 5 nucleotides in length, more preferably from 1 to about 4 nucleotides in length and most preferably from about 2 to about 4 nucleotides in length. The 3′ overhang can occur on the sense or antisense sequence, or on both sequences of an iRNA agent.

In one preferred embodiment, the iRNA agent of the invention includes an antisense sequence having 23 nucleotides complementary to the target VEGF sequence and a sense sequence having at least 21 nucleotides. Each sequence can include at least 21 nucleotides that are complementary to each other, and at least the antisense sequence can have a 3′ overhang of two nucleotides.

In one embodiment, both the sense and antisense sequences of the iRNA agent include a 3′ overhang, the length of which can be the same or different for each sequence. In one embodiment, the 3′ overhang on each sequence ranges from 1 to about 6 (e.g., from 1 to about 3) nucleotides in length. In a preferred embodiment, the 3′ overhang is on both sequences of the iRNA agent and is two nucleotides in length. In another preferred embodiment, the 3′ overhang is on both sequences of the iRNA agent and the 3′ overhangs include two thymidylic acid residues (“TT”).

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent includes an antisense sequence having about 19 to 25 (e.g., about 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25) nucleotides with complementarity to an RNA sequence encoding a VEGF protein. The iRNA agent can further include a sense sequence having about 19 to 25 (e.g., about 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25) nucleotides, and the antisense and sense sequences can have distinct nucleotide sequences with at least about 19, 20, or 21 complementary nucleotides.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent of the invention includes an antisense region having about 19 to about 25 (e.g., about 19 to about 23) nucleotides with complementarity to an RNA sequence encoding VEGF, and a sense region having about 19 to 25 (e.g., about 19 to about 23) nucleotides. The sense and antisense regions can be included in a linear molecule with at least about 19 complementary nucleotides. The sense sequence can include a nucleotide sequence that is substantially identical to a nucleotide sequence of VEGF.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent includes an antisense sequence of about 21 nucleotides complementary to the VEGF target sequence and a sense sequence of about 21 nucleotides complementary to the antisense sequence. The iRNA agent can include a non-nucleotide moiety. In one embodiment, the sense or antisense sequence of the iRNA agent can include a 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) pyrimidine nucleotide, 2′-deoxy nucleotide (e.g., deoxy-cytodine), 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro (2′-F) pyrimidine nucleotide, 2′-O-methoxyethyl (2′-O-MOE), 2′-O-aminopropyl (2′-O-AP), 2′-O—N-methylacetamido (2′-O-NMA), 2′-O-dimethylaminoethlyoxyethyl (2′-DMAEOE), 2′-O-dimethylaminoethyl (2′-O-DMAOE), 2′-O-dimethylaminopropyl (2′-O-AP), 2′-hydroxy nucleotide, or a 2′-ara-fluoro nucleotide, or a locked nucleic acid (LNA), extended nucleic acid (ENA), hexose nucleic acid (HNA), cyclohexene nucleic acid (CeNA), ribo-difluorotoluoyl, 5-allyamino-pyrimidines, or 5-Me-2′-modified pyrimidines. A 2′ modification is preferably a 2′-OMe modification, and more preferably, a 2′-fluoro modification. In a preferred embodiment, one or more 2′ modified nucleotides are on the sense strand of the iRNA agent.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent includes a nucleobase modification, such as a cationic modification, such as a 3′-abasic cationic modification. The cationic modification can be, e.g., an alkylamino-dT (e.g., a C6 amino-dT), an allylamino conjugate, a pyrrolidine conjugate, a pthalamido a hydroxyprolinol conjugate or an aminooxy conjugate, on one or more of the terminal nucleotides of the iRNA agent. An alkylamino-dT conjugate is preferably attached to the 3′ end of the sense or antisense strand of an iRNA agent. A pyrrolidine linker is preferably attached to the 3′ or 5′ end of the sense strand, or the 3′ end of the antisense strand. An allyl amine uridine is preferably on the 3′ or 5′ end of the sense strand, and not on the 5′ end of the antisense strand. An aminooxy conjugate can be attached to a hydroxyl prolinol and at the 3′ or 5′ end of either the sense or antisense strands.

In another embodiment, an iRNA agent that targets VEGF includes a conjugate, e.g., to facilitate entry into a cell or to inhibit exo- or endonucleolytic cleavage. The conjugate can be, for example, a lipophile, a terpene, a protein binding agent, a vitamin, a carbohydrate, a retinoid or a peptide. For example, the conjugate can be naproxen, nitroindole (or another conjugate that contributes to stacking interactions), folate, ibuprofen, retinol or a C5 pyrimidine linker. In other embodiments, the conjugates are glyceride lipid conjugates (e.g. a dialkyl glyceride derivatives), vitamin E conjugates, or thio-cholesterols. Preferably, conjugates are on the 3′ end of the antisense strand, or on the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand, and preferably the conjugates are not on the 3′ end of the antisense strand and on the 3′ end of the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the conjugate is naproxen, and the conjugate is preferably on the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense or antisense strands. In one embodiment, the conjugate is cholesterol or thiocholesterol, and the conjugate is preferably on the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand and preferably not present on the antisense strand. In some embodiments, the cholesterol is conjugated to the iRNA agent by a pyrrolidine linker, or serinol linker, or hydroxyprolinol linker. In another embodiment, the conjugate is cholanic acid, and the cholanic acid is attached to the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand, or the 3′ end of the antisense strand. In one embodiment, the cholanic acid is attached to the 3′ end of the sense strand and the 3′ end of the antisense strand. In another embodiment, the conjugate is retinol acid, and the retinol acid is attached to the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand, or the 3′ end of the antisense strand. In one embodiment, the retinol acid is attached to the 3′ end of the sense strand and the 3′ end of the antisense strand.

In one aspect, an iRNA agent of the invention has RNAi activity that modulates expression of RNA encoded by a VEGF gene. VEGF genes can share some degree of sequence identity with each other, and thus, iRNA agents can target a class of VEGF genes, or alternatively, specific VEGF genes, by targeting sequences that are either shared amongst different VEGF targets or that are unique for a specific VEGF target. Therefore, in one embodiment, an iRNA agent can target a conserved region of a VEGF nucleotide sequence (e.g., RNA sequence). The conserved region can have sequence identity with several different VEGF-related sequences (e.g., different VEGF isoforms, splice variants, mutant genes, etc.). Thus, one iRNA agent can target several different VEGF-related sequences.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent is chemically modified. In another embodiment the iRNA agent includes a duplex molecule wherein one or more sequences of the duplex molecule is chemically modified. Non-limiting examples of such chemical modifications include phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, 2′-deoxyribonucleotides, 2′-O-methyl ribonucleotides, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro ribonucleotides, “universal base” nucleotides, “acyclic” nucleotides, 5′-C-methyl nucleotides, and terminal glyceryl and/or inverted deoxy abasic residue incorporation. These chemical modifications, when used in iRNA agents, can help to preserve RNAi activity of the agents in cells and can increase the serum stability of the iRNA agents.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent includes one or more chemical modifications and the sense and antisense sequences of the double-stranded RNA is about 21 nucleotides long.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and preferably the first two internucleotide linkages at the 5′ end of the antisense and/or sense sequences are modified, preferably by a phosphorothioate. In a preferred embodiment, the first, and preferably the first two, three, or four internucleotide linkages at the 3′ end of a sense and/or antisense sequence are modified, preferably by a phosphorothioate. More preferably, the 5′ end of both the sense and antisense sequences, and the 3′ end of both the sense and antisense sequences are modified as described.

In another aspect, an iRNA agent that mediates the down-regulation of VEGF expression includes one or more chemical modifications that modulate the binding affinity between the sense and the antisense sequences of the iRNA construct.

In one embodiment, the invention features an iRNA agent that includes one or more chemical modifications that can modulate the cellular uptake of the iRNA agent.

In another embodiment, the invention features an iRNA agent that includes one or more chemical modifications that improve the pharmacokinetics of the iRNA agent. Such chemical modifications include but are not limited to conjugates, such as ligands for cellular receptors, e.g., peptides derived from naturally occurring protein ligands; protein localization sequences; antibodies; nucleic acid aptamers; vitamins and other co-factors, such as folate, retinoids and N-acetylgalactosamine; polymers, such as polyethyleneglycol (PEG, e.g. PEG 5 and PEG20); phospholipids; polyamines, such as spermine or spermidine; and others.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a duplex molecule selected from the group consisting of AL-DP-4003, AL-DP-4116, AL-DP-4015, AL-DP-4120, AL-DP-4002, AL-DP-4115, AL-DP-4014, AL-DP-4119, AL-DP-4094, AL-DP-4118, AL-DP-4107, AL-DP-4122, AL-DP-4004, AL-DP-4117, AL-DP-4016, AL-DP-4121, AL-DP-4127, AL-DP-4128, AL-DP-4129, and AL-DP-4055 (see Tables 2 and 3).

In one preferred embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a duplex described as AL-DP-4094, which includes the antisense sequence 5′AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCUG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:609) and the sense sequence 5′ GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU 3′ (SEQ ID NO:608).

In another preferred embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a duplex described as AL-DP-4004, which includes the antisense sequence 5′CUUUCUUUGGUCUGCAUUCACAU 3′ (SEQ ID NO:635) and the sense sequence 5′ GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:634).

In another preferred embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a duplex described as AL-DP-4015, which includes the antisense sequence 5′ GUACUCCUGGAAGAUGUCCTT 3′ (SEQ ID NO:551) and the sense sequence 5′ GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACTT 3′ (SEQ ID NO:550).

In another preferred embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a duplex described as AL-DP-4055, which includes the antisense sequence 5′ UGCAGCCUGGGACCACUUGTT 3′ (SEQ ID NO:457) and the sense sequence 5′ CAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCATT 3′ (SEQ ID NO:456).

In one embodiment, the antisense sequence of an iRNA agent described herein does not hybridize to an off-target sequence. For example, the antisense sequence can have less than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 nucleotides complementary to an off-target sequence. By “off-target” is meant a sequence other than a VEGF nucleotide sequence.

In another embodiment, the sense strand is modified to inhibit off-target silencing. The sense strand can include a cholesterol moeity, such as cholesterol attached to the sense strand by a pyrrolidine linker.

In another embodiment, the antisense sequence of an iRNA agent described herein can hybridize to a VEGF sequence in a human and a VEGF sequence in a non-human mammal, e.g., a mouse, rat, or monkey.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of delivering an iRNA agent, e.g., an iRNA agent described herein, to the eye of a subject, e.g., a mammalian subject, such as a mouse, a rat, a monkey or a human.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent can be delivered to a cell or cells in a choroid region of the eye. In one preferred embodiment, the iRNA agent down-regulates expression of the VEGF gene at a target site within the eye. An iRNA agent delivered to the eye, e.g., choroid cells of the eye, can be an unmodified iRNA agent.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent can be stabilized with phosphorothioate linkages. In another embodiment, the 3′ end of the sense or antisense sequences, or both, of the iRNA agent can be modified with a cationic group, such as a 3′-abasic cationic modification. The cationic modification can be, e.g., an alkylamino-dT (e.g., a C6 amino-dT), an allylamine, a pyrrolidine, a pthalamido, a hydroxyprolinol, a polyamine, a cationic peptide, or a cationic amino acid on one or more of the terminal nucleotides of the iRNA agent. The modification can be an external or terminal cationic residue. In preferred embodiments, a pyrrolidine cap is attached to the 3′ or 5′ end of the sense strand, or the 3′ end of the antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the sense or antisense sequence, or both, of the iRNA agent can be modified with a sugar, e.g., a glycoconjugate or alkylglycoside component, e.g., glucose, mannose, 2-deoxy-glucose, or an analog thereof. In another embodiment, the iRNA agent can be conjugated to an enzyme substrate, e.g., a substrate for which the relative enzyme is present in a higher amount, as compared to the enzyme level in other tissues of the body, e.g., in tissues other than the eye.

In one embodiment, at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of the iRNA agent administered to the subject reaches the eye. In a preferred embodiment, between about 30-90%, 40-80% or 50-70% of the iRNA agent administered to the subject reaches the eye.

In another aspect, the invention features a composition, e.g., a pharmaceutical composition that includes an iRNA agent of the present invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The iRNA agent can be any agent described herein. In one embodiment, the iRNA agent is chemically modified, such as with any chemical modification described herein. Preferred modified iRNA agents includes those provided in Tables 2-18.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a subject. The method can include administering to the subject a composition of the invention under conditions suitable for the treatment or prevention of the disease or condition in the subject, alone or in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic compounds.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent is administered at or near the site of unwanted VEGF expression, e.g., by a catheter or other placement device (e.g., a retinal pellet or an implant including a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material). In one embodiment the iRNA agent is administered via an intraocular implant, which can be inserted, for example, into an anterior or posterior chamber of the eye; or into the sclera, transchoroidal space, or an avascularized region exterior to the vitreous. In another embodiment, the implant is positioned over an avascular region, such as on the sclera, so as to allow for transcleral diffusion of the drug to the desired site of treatment, e.g., to the intraocular space and macula of the eye. Furthermore, the site of transcleral diffusion is preferably in proximity to the macula.

In another embodiment, an iRNA agent is administered to the eye by injection, e.g., by intraocular, retinal, or subretinal injection.

In another embodiment, an iRNA agent is administered topically to the eye, such as by a patch or liquid eye drops, or by iontophoresis. Ointments or droppable liquids can be delivered by ocular delivery systems known in the art such as applicators or eye droppers.

In one embodiment, an iRNA is delivered at or near a site of neovascularization.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent is administered repeatedly. Administration of an iRNA agent can be carried out over a range of time periods. It can be administered hourly, daily, once every few days, weekly, or monthly. The timing of administration can vary from patient to patient, depending upon such factors as the severity of a patient's symptoms. For example, an effective dose of an iRNA agent can be administered to a patient once a month for an indefinite period of time, or until the patient no longer requires therapy. In addition, sustained release compositions containing an iRNA agent can be used to maintain a relatively constant dosage in the area of the target VEGF nucleotide sequences.

In another embodiment, an iRNA agent is delivered to the eye at a dosage on the order of about 0.00001 mg to about 3 mg per eye, or preferrably about 0.0001-0.001 mg per eye, about 0.03-3.0 mg per eye, about 0.1-3.0 mg per eye or about 0.3-3.0 mg per eye.

In another embodiment, an iRNA agent is administered prophylactically such as to prevent or slow the onset of a disorder or condition that affects the eye. For example, an iRNA can be administered to a patient who is susceptible to or otherwise at risk for a neovascular disorder.

In one embodiment one eye of a human is treated with an iRNA agent described herein, and in another embodiment, both eyes of a human are treated.

In another aspect, a method of inhibiting VEGF expression is provided. One such method includes administering an effective amount of an iRNA agent of the present invention.

In another aspect, a method of treating adult onset macular degeneration is provided. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA agent of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a human has been diagnosed with dry adult macular degeneration (AMD), and in another embodiment the human has been diagnosed with wet AMD.

In one embodiment, a human treated with an iRNA agent described herein is over the age of 50, e.g., between the ages of 75 and 80, and the human has been diagnosed with adult onset macular degeneration. In another embodiment, a human treated with an iRNA agent described herein is between the ages of 30-50, and the human has been diagnosed with late onset macular degeneration. In another embodiment, a human treated with an iRNA agent described herein is between the ages of 5-20, and the human has been diagnosed with middle onset macular degeneration. In another embodiment, a human treated with an iRNA agent described herein is 7 years old or younger, and the human has been diagnosed with early onset macular degeneration.

In one aspect, methods of treating any disease or disorder characterized by unwanted VEGF expression are provided. Particularly preferred embodiments include the treatment of disorders of the eye or retina, which are characterized by unwanted VEGF expression. The disease or disorder can be a diabetic retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma, a tumor or metastic cancer (e.g., colon or breast cancer), a pulmonary disease (e.g., asthma or bronchitis), rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriases. Other angiogenic disorders can be treated by the methods featured in the invention.

In another aspect, the invention features a kit containing an iRNA agent of the invention. The iRNA agent of the kit can be chemically modified and can be useful for modulating the expression of a VEGF target gene in a cell, tissue or organism. In one embodiment, the kit contains more than one iRNA agent of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, useful methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and description, and from the claims. The contents of all references, pending patent applications and published patents, cited throughout this application are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA of the 121 amino acid form of vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF121. The first nucleotide of the initiator codon is nucleotide 1. The signal peptide is from nucleotide 1 through 78.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of a comparative analysis of the activities of single- and double-overhang siRNAs in in vitro assays in HeLa cells. Solid lines with filled symbols represent the single-overhang siRNA, solid lines with open symbols represent the double-overhang siRNAs; dashed lines represent the control siRNAs. The control siRNA hVEGF is described in Reich et al. (Mol. Vis. 9:210, 2003); the control siRNA hrmVEGF is described in Filleur et al. (Cancer Res. 63:3919, 2003). “L2000” refers to Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. hVEGF expression (y-axis) refers to endogenous VEGF expression.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a comparative analysis of the activities of single- and double-overhang siRNAs in ARPE-19 cells. Solid lines with filled symbols represent the single-overhang siRNA; solid lines with open symbols represent the double-overhang siRNAs; dashed lines represent the control siRNAs. The control siRNA hVEGF is described in Reich et al. (Mol. Vis. 9:210, 2003); the control siRNA hrmVEGF is described in Filleur et al. (supra). “L2000” refers to Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. hVEGF expression (y-axis) refers to endogenous VEGF expression.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a comparative analysis of the siRNAs activities in HeLa cells of single-overhang siRNAs with their analogous blunt siRNAs in which the number of base-paired nucleotides is 21. The control siRNA hVEGF is described in Reich et al. (Mol. Vis. 9:210, 2003); the control siRNA hrmVEGF is described in Filleur et al. (supra). “L2000” refers to Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. hVEGF expression (y-axis) refers to endogenous VEGF expression.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a comparative analysis of the siRNAs activities in HeLa cells of double-overhang siRNAs with their analogous blunt siRNAs in which the number of base-paired nucleotides is 19. The control siRNA hVEGF is described in Reich et al. (supra); the control siRNA hrmVEGF is described in Filleur et al. (supra). “L2000” refers to Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. hVEGF expression (y-axis) refers to endogenous VEGF expression.

FIG. 6A is a graphical representation of the activities of single-overhang and double overhang siRNAs targeting ORF 319 (SEQ ID NO:320) (AL-DP-4002 and AL-DP-4014, respectively) and ORF 343 (SEQ ID NO:344) (AL-DP-4094 and AL-DP-4107, respectively) in cells under normal oxygen (normoxia, 20% oxygen).

FIG. 6B is a graphical representation of the activities of single-overhang and double overhang siRNAs targeting ORF 319 (SEQ ID NO:320) (AL-DP-4002 and AL-DP-4014, respectively) and ORF 343 (SEQ ID NO:344) (AL-DP-4094 and AL-DP-4107, respectively) in cells under hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen).

FIG. 6C is a graphical representation of the activities of single-overhang and double overhang siRNAs targeting ORF 319 (SEQ ID NO:320) (AL-DP-4002 and AL-DP-4014, respectively) and ORF 343 (SEQ ID NO:344) (AL-DP-4094 and AL-DP-4107, respectively) in cells under hypoxic conditions (130 μM defoxamine).

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the comparative activities of double-overhang (AL-DP-4014) unmodified siRNA and phosphorothioate-modified (AL-DP-4127, AL-DP-4128, AL-DP-4129) siRNAs targeting ORF 319 (SEQ ID NO:320) in HeLa cells. The control siRNA hVEGF is described in Reich et al. (supra); the control siRNA hrmVEGF is described in Filleur et al. (supra). “L2000” refers to Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. hVEGF expression (y-axis) refers to endogenous VEGF expression.

FIG. 8A is a graphical representation of the activities of siRNAs targeting ORF 319 (SEQ ID NO:320) (AL-DP-4014 and AL-DP-4127) and a mutated version AL-DP-4140 (Table 5) in cells under normal oxygen conditions (normoxia, 20% oxygen). The control siRNA Candy is identical to the hVEGF control of FIG. 7 and is described in Reich et al. (supra). “L2000” refers to Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. VEGF expression (y-axis) refers to endogenous VEGF expression.

FIG. 8B is a graphical representation of the activities of siRNAs targeting ORF 319 (SEQ ID NO:320) (AL-DP-4014 and AL-DP-4127) and a mutated version AL-DP-4140 (Table 5) in cells under normal or hypoxic conditions (hypoxia, 1% Oxygen). The control siRNAs are as described for FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 9A-9E are graphical representations of the activities of siRNAs having the sequence of AL-DP-4094 but differing in the inclusion of nucleotide modifications (see Table 4). FIG. 9A sense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 652 and antisense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NOS 653-658, respectively in order of appearance. FIG. 9B sense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 659 and antisense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NOS 653-658, respectively in order of appearance. FIG. 9C sense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 660 and antisense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NOS 653-658, respectively in order of appearance. FIG. 9D sense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 661 and antisense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NOS 653-658, respectively in order of appearance. FIG. 9E sense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NOS 662-665, 652, 652 and 652 and antisense strands disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 653, 653, 653, 653 and 666-668, respectively in order of appearance. The control siRNA “Acuity” is identical to the Candy control of FIG. 8A and the hVEGF control of FIG. 7. The “Filleur” control siRNA is the equivalent of the hrmVEGF control siRNA of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of siRNA silencing activity in vitro in HeLa cells.

FIG. 11 is an RP-HPLC scan of AL-DP-4094 siRNA following incubation in human serum.

FIG. 12 is a summary of AL-DP-4094 fragment mapping as determined by LC/MS. The analysis was performed following incubation of the siRNA in human serum (SEQ ID NOS 608-609, 1080-1082, 1082-1083, 608, 611, 611 and 1084, respectively, in order of appearance)

FIG. 13-29 are graphs of silencing activity of 2′-O-methyl and/or 2′-fluoro modified siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 6).

FIG. 30 are graphs of silencing activity of alternating 2′-O-methyl and 2′-fluoro modified siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 7).

FIGS. 31-33 are graphs of silencing activity of cholesterol and colonic conjugated siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 8).

FIG. 34 is a graph of silencing activity of naproxen conjugated siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 9).

FIG. 35 is a graph of silencing activity of biotin conjugated siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 10).

FIG. 36 is a graph of silencing activity of 5′-retinal conjugated siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 11).

FIG. 37 is a graph of silencing activity of ribo-difluorotoluoyl modified siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 13).

FIG. 38 is a graph of silencing activity of 2′-arafluoro-2′ deoxy-nucleoside modified siRNAs in vitro in HeLa cells (Table 14).

FIG. 39 5′-O-DMTr-2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro A, C, G and U CPG supports for oligonucleotide synthesis. These supports were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed Tables 6 and 7.

FIG. 40 Cholesterol and 5β-cholanic (or cholanic) acid conjugate building blocks for conjugation to oligonucleotides. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 8.

FIG. 41 ^(5Me)C and ^(5Me)U RNA building blocks for oligonucleotide synthesis. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 8.

FIG. 42. Naproxen—trans-4-hydroxy-L-prolinol and naproxen-serinol building blocks for conjugation to oligonucleotides. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 9.

FIG. 43 Biotin—trans-4-hydroxy-L-prolinol and biotin-serinol building blocks for conjugation to oligonucleotides. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 10.

FIG. 44 Building blocks for post-synthetic conjugation—Oxime approach. These building blocks were/are used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 11.

FIG. 45 Building blocks for post-synthetic conjugation—Active ester approach. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 12.

FIG. 46 DFT amidite and CPG for oligonucleotide synthesis. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 13.

FIG. 47 2′-Deoxy-2′-araf amidite for oligonucleotide synthesis. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 14.

FIG. 48 P-methylphosphonamidite of ribo ^(5Me)U and ribo C(N^(Ac)). These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 15.

FIG. 49 C5-aminoallyl U amidite. These building blocks were used for syntheses of selected sequences listed in Table 16.

FIG. 50 Thiocholesterol conjugate building blocks.

FIG. 51 is a graphical representation of VEGF protein levels in HeLa cells following administration of the indicated double-stranded RNAs.

FIG. 52 is a graphical representation of VEGF protein levels in ARPE-19 cells following administration of the indicated double-stranded RNAs.

FIG. 53 is a graphical representation of VEGF protein levels in rat RPE-J cells following administration of the indicated double-stranded RNAs.

FIG. 54 is a graphical representation of VEGF mRNA levels in HeLa cells following administration of the indicated double-stranded RNAs. Expression levels were measured according to the ratio of VEGF mRNA to a GAPDH control mRNA.

FIG. 55 is a bar graph illustrating the effect of varying concentrations of the indicated double-stranded RNAs at 5 and 10 days post-transfection.

FIG. 56 is a bar graph illustrating the area of pathologic neovascularization in mouse retinas following administration of the indicated agents. “Buffer” is phosphate buffered saline (PBS); “control” is a double-stranded RNA targeting luciferase (AL-DP-3015); “VEGF” is a double-stranded RNA targeting VEGF (AL-DP-4409).

FIG. 57 is a bar graph illustrating the effect of the indicated agents on normal vascularization in mouse retinas. “Buffer” is phosphate buffered saline (PBS); “control” is a double-stranded RNA targeting luciferase (AL-DP-3015); “VEGF” is a double-stranded RNA targeting VEGF (AL-DP-4409).

FIG. 58 is a bar graph illustrating the area of pathologic neovascularization in mouse retinas following administration of the indicated agents. “PBS” is phosphate buffered saline; “siMM” is AL-DP-4409 MM, a double-stranded RNA including a mismatch sequence as compared to the double-stranded RNA (siRNA), AL-DP-4409, that targets VEGF; “siVEGF” is AL-DP-4409.

FIG. 59 is a bar graph illustrating the effect of the indicated agents on normal vascularization in mouse retinas. “PBS” is phosphate buffered saline; “siMM” is AL-DP-4409 MM, a double-stranded RNA including a mismatch sequence as compared to the double-stranded RNA (siRNA), AL-DP-4409, that targets VEGF; “siVEGF” is AL-DP-4409.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES

Table 1 provides the sequences in the VEGF gene that are targeted by the agents of the present invention. These sequence can also be the sense strand of some of the iRNA agents of the present invention.

Table 2 provides 123 iRNA duplexes that target the VEGF gene, the target sequence in the VEGF gene and activity data that is described in the Examples.

Table 3 provides iRNA duplexes that are modified to contain phosphorothioate stabilizations and activity data that is described in the Examples. Table 4 provides iRNA duplexes based on the AL-DP-4094 duplex that are modified for stabilization and activity data that is described in the Examples.

Table 5 provides iRNA duplexes activity data in HeLa cells for several iRNA agents of the present invention.

Table 6 provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing one or more phosphorothioate, 2′-O-methyl and 2′-fluoro modifications.

Table 7 provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing alternating 2′-O-methyl and 2′-fluoro modifications.

Table 8 A and B provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing cholesterol or cholanic acid conjugates.

Table 9 provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing naproxen conjugates.

Table 10 provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing biotin conjugates.

Table 11 provides iRNA agents containing aldehydes, retinal and other retinoid conjugates.

Table 12 provides iRNA agents containing polyethylene glycol conjugates.

Table 13 provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing ribo-difluorotoluoyl modifications.

Table 14 provides iRNA agents with activity data in HeLa cells for agents containing 2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy-nucleoside modifications.

Table 15 provides iRNA agents containing methylphosphonate modifications.

Table 16 provides iRNA agents containing C-5 allyamino modifications.

Table 17 provides iRNA agents containing a variety and combinations of the modifications as noted in the Table.

Table 18 provides physical characterization of iRNA agents containing a variety and combinations of the modifications as noted in the Table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Double-stranded (dsRNA) directs the sequence-specific silencing of mRNA through a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). The process occurs in a wide variety of organisms, including mammals and other vertebrates.

It has been demonstrated that 21-23 nt fragments of dsRNA are sequence-specific mediators of RNA silencing, e.g., by causing RNA degradation. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it may be that a molecular signal, which may be merely the specific length of the fragments, present in these 21-23 nt fragments recruits cellular factors that mediate RNAi. Described herein are methods for preparing and administering these 21-23 nt fragments, and other iRNAs agents, and their use for specifically inactivating gene function. The use of iRNA agents (or recombinantly produced or chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of the same or similar nature) enables the targeting of specific mRNAs for silencing in mammalian cells. In addition, longer dsRNA agent fragments can also be used, e.g., as described below.

Although, in mammalian cells, long dsRNAs can induce the interferon response, which is frequently deleterious, siRNAs do not trigger the interferon response, at least not to an extent that is deleterious to the cell and host. In particular, the length of the sense and antisense sequences in an iRNA agent can be less than 31, 30, 28, 25, or 23 nt, e.g., sufficiently short to avoid inducing a deleterious interferon response. Thus, the administration of a composition of iRNA agents (e.g., formulated as described herein) to a mammalian cell can be used to silence expression of a target gene while circumventing the interferon response. Further, use of a discrete species of iRNA agent can be used to selectively target one allele of a target gene, e.g., in a subject heterozygous for the allele.

The target-complementary sequence (the antisense sequence) of an iRNA agent, such as an iRNA duplex, can have a 5′ phosphate and ATP may be utilized to maintain the 5′-phosphate moiety on the siRNA (Nykanen et al., Cell 107:309, 2001); however, iRNA agents lacking a 5′-phosphate have been shown to be active when introduced exogenously, suggesting that 5′-phosphorylation of siRNA constructs may occur in vivo.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) VEGF, also known as vascular permeability factor, is an angiogenic growth factor. VEGF is a homodimeric 45 kDa glycoprotein that exists in at least three different isoforms. VEGF isoforms are expressed in endothelial cells. The VEGF gene contains 8 exons that express a 189-amino acid protein isoform. A 165-amino acid isoform lacks the residues encoded by exon 6, whereas a 121-amino acid isoform lacks the residues encoded by exons 6 and 7. VEGF145 is an isoform predicted to contain 145 amino acids and to lack exon 7.

VEGF can act on endothelial cells by binding to an endothelial tyrosine kinase receptor, such as Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) or KDR/flk-1 (VEGFR-2). VEGFR-2 is expressed in endothelial cells and is involved in endothelial cell differentiation and vasculogenesis. A third receptor, VEGFR-3 has been implicated in lymphogenesis.

The various isoforms have different biologic activities and clinical implications. For example, VEGF145 induces angiogenesis and like VEGF189 (but unlike VEGF165) VEGF145 binds efficiently to the extracellular matrix by a mechanism that is not dependent on extracellular matrix-associated heparin sulfates. The mRNA corresponding to the coding sequence of human VEGF121 (Genbank Accession Number AF214570, SEQ ID NO:1) is shown in FIG. 1. VEGF displays activity as an endothelial cell mitogen and chemoattractant in vitro and induces vascular permeability and angiogenesis in vivo. VEGF is secreted by a wide variety of cancer cell types and promotes the growth of tumors by inducing the development of tumor-associated vasculature. Inhibition of VEGF function has been shown to limit both the growth of primary experimental tumors as well as the incidence of metastases in immunocompromised mice. VEGF is also expressed at abnormally high levels in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and is involved in the inflammation, airway and vascular remodeling that occurs during asthmatic episodes. Elevated VEGF expression is also correlated with several forms of ocular neovascularization that often lead to severe vision loss, including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and macular degeneration.

iRNA Agents An “RNA agent,” as used herein, is an unmodified RNA, modified RNA, or nucleoside surrogate. Preferred examples include those which have greater resistance to nuclease degradation than do unmodified RNAs. Preferred examples include those which have a 2′ sugar modification, a modification in a single strand overhang, preferably a 3′ single strand overhang, or, particularly if single stranded, a 5′ modification which includes one or more phosphate groups or one or more analogs of a phosphate group.

An “iRNA agent,” as used herein, is an RNA agent which can, or which can be cleaved into an RNA agent which can, down regulate the expression of a target gene, preferably an endogenous or pathogen target RNA. While not wishing to be bound by theory, an iRNA agent may act by one or more of a number of mechanisms, including post-transcriptional cleavage of a target mRNA sometimes referred to in the art as RNAi, or pre-transcriptional or pre-translational mechanisms. An iRNA agent can include a single strand or can include more than one strands, e.g., it can be a double stranded iRNA agent. If the iRNA agent is a single strand it is particularly preferred that it include a 5′ modification which includes one or more phosphate groups or one or more analogs of a phosphate group.

The iRNA agent should include a region of sufficient homology to the target gene, and be of sufficient length in terms of nucleotides, such that the iRNA agent, or a fragment thereof, can mediate down regulation of the target gene. (For ease of exposition the term nucleotide or ribonucleotide is sometimes used herein in reference to one or more monomeric subunits of an RNA agent. It will be understood herein that the usage of the term “ribonucleotide” or “nucleotide,” herein can, in the case of a modified RNA or nucleotide surrogate, also refer to a modified nucleotide, or surrogate replacement moiety at one or more positions.) Thus, the iRNA agent is or includes a region which is at least partially, and in some embodiments fully, complementary to the target RNA. It is not necessary that there be perfect complementarity between the iRNA agent and the target, but the correspondence must be sufficient to enable the iRNA agent, or a cleavage product thereof, to direct sequence specific silencing, e.g., by RNAi cleavage of the target RNA, e.g., mRNA.

Complementarity, or degree of homology with the target strand, is most critical in the antisense strand. While perfect complementarity, particularly in the antisense strand, is often desired some embodiments can include, particularly in the antisense strand, one or more but preferably 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or fewer mismatches (with respect to the target RNA). The mismatches, particularly in the antisense strand, are most tolerated in the terminal regions and if present are preferably in a terminal region or regions, e.g., within 6, 5, 4, or 3 nucleotides of the 5′ and/or 3′ terminus. The sense strand need only be sufficiently complementary with the antisense strand to maintain the overall double strand character of the molecule.

Single stranded regions of an iRNA agent will often be modified or include nucleoside surrogates, e.g., the unpaired region or regions of a hairpin structure, e.g., a region which links two complementary regions, can have modifications or nucleoside surrogates. Modification to stabilize one or more 3′- or 5′-terminus of an iRNA agent, e.g., against exonucleases, or to favor the antisense sRNA agent to enter into RISC are also favored. Modifications can include C3 (or C6, C7, C12) amino linkers, thiol linkers, carboxyl linkers, non-nucleotidic spacers (C3, C6, C9, C12, abasic, triethylene glycol, hexaethylene glycol), special biotin or fluorescein reagents that come as phosphoramidites and that have another DMT-protected hydroxyl group, allowing multiple couplings during RNA synthesis.

iRNA agents include: molecules that are long enough to trigger the interferon response (which can be cleaved by Dicer (Bernstein et al., Nature 409:363-366, 2001)) and enter a RISC (RNAi-induced silencing complex); and molecules that are sufficiently short that they do not trigger the interferon response (which molecules can also be cleaved by Dicer and/or enter a RISC), e.g., molecules which are of a size which allows entry into a RISC, e.g., molecules which resemble Dicer-cleavage products. Molecules that are short enough that they do not trigger an interferon response are termed sRNA agents or shorter iRNA agents herein. “sRNA agent or shorter iRNA agent” as used herein, refers to an iRNA agent, e.g., a double stranded RNA agent or single strand agent, that is sufficiently short that it does not induce a deleterious interferon response in a human cell, e.g., it has a duplexed region of less than 60 but preferably less than 50, 40, or 30 nucleotide pairs. The sRNA agent, or a cleavage product thereof, can down regulate a target gene, e.g., by inducing RNAi with respect to a target RNA, preferably an endogenous or pathogen target RNA.

Each strand of a sRNA agent can be equal to or less than 30, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, or 20 nucleotides in length. The strand is preferably at least 19 nucleotides in length. For example, each strand can be between 21 and 25 nucleotides in length. Preferred sRNA agents have a duplex region of 17, 18, 19, 29, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotide pairs, and one or more overhangs, preferably one or two 3′ overhangs, of 2-3 nucleotides.

A “single strand iRNA agent” as used herein, is an iRNA agent which is made up of a single molecule. It may include a duplexed region, formed by intra-strand pairing, e.g., it may be, or include, a hairpin or pan-handle structure. Single strand iRNA agents are preferably antisense with regard to the target molecule. In preferred embodiments single strand iRNA agents are 5′ phosphorylated or include a phosphoryl analog at the 5′ prime terminus. 5′-phosphate modifications include those which are compatible with RISC mediated gene silencing. Suitable modifications include: 5′-monophosphate ((HO)2(O)P—O-5′); 5′-diphosphate ((HO)2(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-triphosphate ((HO)2(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-guanosine cap (7-methylated or non-methylated) (7m-G-O-5′-(HO)(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-adenosine cap (Appp), and any modified or unmodified nucleotide cap structure (N—O-5′-(HO)(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-monothiophosphate (phosphorothioate; (HO)₂(S)P—O-5′); 5′-monodithiophosphate (phosphorodithioate; (HO)(HS)(S)P—O-5′), 5′-phosphorothiolate ((HO)2(O)P—S-5′); any additional combination of oxygen/sulfur replaced monophosphate, diphosphate and triphosphates (e.g. 5′-alpha-thiotriphosphate, 5′-gamma-thiotriphosphate, etc.), 5′-phosphoramidates ((HO)2(O)P—NH-5′, (HO)(NH2)(O)P—O-5′), 5′-alkylphosphonates (R=alkyl=methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, propyl, etc., e.g. RP(OH)(O)—O-5′-, (OH)2(O)P-5′-CH2-), 5′-alkyletherphosphonates (R=alkylether=methoxymethyl (MeOCH2-), ethoxymethyl, etc., e.g. RP(OH)(O)—O-5′-). (These modifications can also be used with the antisense strand of a double stranded iRNA.)

A single strand iRNA agent should be sufficiently long that it can enter the RISC and participate in RISC mediated cleavage of a target mRNA. A single strand iRNA agent is at least 14, and more preferably at least 15, 20, 25, 29, 35, 40, or 50 nucleotides in length. It is preferably less than 200, 100, or 60 nucleotides in length.

Hairpin iRNA agents will have a duplex region equal to or at least 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotide pairs. The duplex region will preferably be equal to or less than 200, 100, or 50, in length. Preferred ranges for the duplex region are 15-30, 17 to 23, 19 to 23, and 19 to 21 nucleotides pairs in length. The hairpin will preferably have a single strand overhang or terminal unpaired region, preferably the 3′, and preferably of the antisense side of the hairpin. Preferred overhangs are 2-3 nucleotides in length.

A “double stranded (ds) iRNA agent” as used herein, is an iRNA agent which includes more than one, and preferably two, strands in which interchain hybridization can form a region of duplex structure.

Other suitable modifications to a sugar, base, or backbone of an iRNA agent are described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/01193, filed Jan. 16, 2004. An iRNA agent can include a non-naturally occurring base, such as the bases described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/011822, filed Apr. 16, 2004. An iRNA agent can include a non-naturally occurring sugar, such as a non-carbohydrate cyclic carrier molecule. Exemplary features of non-naturally occurring sugars for use in iRNA agents are described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/11829 filed Apr. 16, 2003.

An iRNA agent can include an internucleotide linkage (e.g., the chiral phosphorothioate linkage) useful for increasing nuclease resistance. In addition, or in the alternative, an iRNA agent can include a ribose mimic for increased nuclease resistance. Exemplary internucleotide linkages and ribose mimics for increased nuclease resistance are described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/07070 filed on Mar. 8, 2004.

An iRNA agent can have a ZXY structure, such as is described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/07070 filed on Mar. 8, 2004.

An iRNA agent can be complexed with an amphipathic moiety. Exemplary amphipathic moieties for use with iRNA agents are described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/07070 filed on Mar. 8, 2004.

In another embodiment, the iRNA agent can be complexed to a delivery agent that features a modular complex. The complex can include a carrier agent linked to one or more of (preferably two or more, more preferably all three of): (a) a condensing agent (e.g., an agent capable of attracting, e.g., binding, a nucleic acid, e.g., through ionic or electrostatic interactions); (b) a fusogenic agent (e.g., an agent capable of fusing and/or being transported through a cell membrane); and (c) a targeting group, e.g., a cell or tissue targeting agent, e.g., a lectin, glycoprotein, lipid or protein, e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type. iRNA agents complexed to a delivery agent are described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/07070 filed on Mar. 8, 2004.

An iRNA agent can have non-canonical pairings, such as between the sense and antisense sequences of the iRNA duplex. Exemplary features of non-canonical iRNA agents are described in co-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/07070 filed on Mar. 8, 2004.

Many of these types of modifications are provided in the Examples and are described in Tables 3-18.

Design of iRNA.

The present invention is based on a gene walk of the VEGF gene to identify active iRNA agents that can be used to reduce the level of VEGF mRNA in a cell. Not all potential iRNA agent sequences in the VEGF gene are active, many of which also having significant off-target effects. The present invention advances the art by selecting those sequences which are active and do not have significant off-target effects. Further, the sequence chosen for the iRNA agents of the present invention are conserved amongst multiple species allowing one to use a single agent for animal and toxicological studies as well as using it for therapeutic purposes in humans.

Based on these results, the invention specifically provides an iRNA agent that can be used in treating VEGF mediated disorders, particularly in the eye such as AMD, in isolated form and as a pharmaceutical composition described below. Such agents will include a sense strand having at least 15 or more contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to the VEGF gene and an antisense strand having at least 15 or more contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to the sense strand sequence. Particularly useful are iRNA agents that have a sense strand that comprises, consist essentially of or consists of a nucleotide sequence provided in Table 1, such as those agents proved in Table 2, or any of the modifications provided in Tables 3-18.

Candidate iRNA agents can be designed by performing, as done herein, a gene walk analysis of the VEGF gene that will serve as the iRNA target. Overlapping, adjacent, or closely spaced candidate agents corresponding to all or some of the transcribed region can be generated and tested. Each of the iRNA agents can be tested and evaluated for the ability to down regulate the target gene expression (see below, “Evaluation of Candidate iRNA agents”).

Preferably, the iRNA agents of the present invention are based on and comprise at least 15 or more contiguous nucleotides from one of the iRNA agents shown to be active in Table 2, or the modified sequences provided in Tables 3-18. In such agents, the agent can comprise, consist of or consist essentially of the entire sequence provided in the Table or can comprise 15 or more contiguous residues along with additional nucleotides from contiguous regions of the target gene.

An iRNA agent can be rationally designed based on sequence information and desired characteristics and the information of the target sequence provided in Table 1. For example, an iRNA agent can be designed according to the relative melting temperature of the candidate duplex. Generally, the duplex should have a lower melting temperature at the 5′ end of the antisense strand than at the 3′ end of the antisense strand.

Accordingly, the present invention provides iRNA agents comprising a sense strand and antisense strand each comprising a sequence of at least 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 23 nucleotides which is essentially identical to one of the agents provided in Table 1 or 2.

The antisense strand of an iRNA agent should be equal to or at least, 15, 16 17, 18, 19, 25, 29, 40, or 50 nucleotides in length. It should be equal to or less than 50, 40, or 30, nucleotides in length. Preferred ranges are 15-30, 17 to 25, 19 to 23, and 19 to 21 nucleotides in length. Exemplified iRNA agents include those that comprise 15 or more nucleotides from one of the agents in Table 2 (or are complementary to the target sequence provided in Table 1) but are not longer than 25 nucleotides in length.

The sense strand of an iRNA agent should be equal to or at least 15, 16 17, 18, 19, 25, 29, 40, or 50 nucleotides in length. It should be equal to or less than 50, 40, or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferred ranges are 15-30, 17 to 25, 19 to 23, and 19 to 21 nucleotides in length. Exemplified iRNA agents include those that comprise 15 or more nucleotides from one of the agents in Table 2 (or the target sequence in Table 2) but are not longer than 25 nucleotides in length.

The double stranded portion of an iRNA agent should be equal to or at least, 15, 16 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 40, or 50 nucleotide pairs in length. It should be equal to or less than 50, 40, or 30 nucleotides pairs in length. Preferred ranges are 15-30, 17 to 25, 19 to 23, and 19 to 21 nucleotides pairs in length.

The agents provided in Table 2 are 23 nucleotides in length for each strand. The iRNA agents contain a 21 nucleotide double stranded region with a 2 nucleotide overhang on each of the 3′ ends of the agent. These agents can be modified as described herein to obtain equivalent agents comprising at least a portion of these sequences (15 or more contiguous nucleotides) and or modifications to the oligonucleotide bases and linkages. Particularly preferred are the modification and agents provided in Tables 3-18.

Generally, the iRNA agents of the instant invention include a region of sufficient complementarity to the VEGF gene and are of sufficient length in terms of nucleotides that the iRNA agent, or a fragment thereof, can mediate down regulation of the VEGF gene. The antisense strands of the iRNA agents of the present invention are preferably fully complementary to the mRNA sequences of VEGF gene. However, it is not necessary that there be perfect complementarity between the iRNA agent and the target, but the correspondence must be sufficient to enable the iRNA agent, or a cleavage product thereof, to direct sequence specific silencing, e.g., by RNAi cleavage of a VEGF mRNA.

Therefore, the iRNA agents of the instant invention include agents comprising a sense strand and antisense strand each comprising a sequence of at least 16, 17 or 18 nucleotides which is essentially identical, as defined below, to one of the sequences of the VEGF gene, such as those agent provided in Table 2, except that not more than 1, 2 or 3 nucleotides per strand, respectively, have been substituted by other nucleotides (e.g. adenosine replaced by uracil), while essentially retaining the ability to inhibit VEGF expression. These agents will therefore possess at least 15 or more nucleotides identical to the VEGF gene but 1, 2 or 3 base mismatches with respect to either the VEGF mRNA sequence or between the sense and antisense strand are introduced. Mismatches to the target VEGF mRNA sequence, particularly in the antisense strand, are most tolerated in the terminal regions and if present are preferably in a terminal region or regions, e.g., within 6, 5, 4, or 3 nucleotides of a 5′ and/or 3′ terminus, most preferably within 6, 5, 4, or 3 nucleotides of the 5′-terminus of the sense strand or the 3′-terminus of the antisense strand. The sense strand need only be sufficiently complementary with the antisense strand to maintain the overall double stranded character of the molecule.

It is preferred that the sense and antisense strands be chosen such that the iRNA agent includes a single strand or unpaired region at one or both ends of the molecule, such as those exemplified in Table 2 (as well as Tables 3-18). Thus, an iRNA agent contains sense and antisense strands, preferably paired to contain an overhang, e.g., one or two 5′ or 3′ overhangs but preferably a 3′ overhang of 2-3 nucleotides. Most embodiments will have a 3′ overhang. Preferred siRNA agents will have single-stranded overhangs, preferably 3′ overhangs, of 1 to 4, or preferably 2 or 3 nucleotides, in length, on one or both ends of the iRNA agent. The overhangs can be the result of one strand being longer than the other, or the result of two strands of the same length being staggered. 5′-ends are preferably phosphorylated.

Preferred lengths for the duplexed region is between 15 and 30, most preferably 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 nucleotides in length, e.g., in the siRNA agent range discussed above. Embodiments in which the two strands of the siRNA agent are linked, e.g., covalently linked are also included. Hairpin, or other single strand structures which provide the required double stranded region, and preferably a 3′ overhang are also within the invention.

Synthesis of iRNA Agents.

Oligonucleotides (e.g., certain modified oligonucleotides or portions of oligonucleotides lacking ribonucleotides) can be synthesized using protocols known in the art, for example as described in Caruthers et al., Methods in Enzymology 211:3, 1992; Thompson et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/54459; Wincott et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 23:2677, 1995; Wincott et al., Methods Mol. Bio. 74:59, 1997; Brennan et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 61:33, 1998; and Brennan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,311. All of these references are incorporated herein by reference. The synthesis of oligonucleotides makes use of common nucleic acid protecting and coupling groups, such as dimethoxytrityl at the 5′-end, and phosphoramidites at the 3′-end.

The method of synthesis used for RNA including certain iRNA agents of the invention follows the procedure as described in Usman et al., J. Chem. Soc. 109:7845, 1987; Scaringe et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 18:5433, 1990; Wincott et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 23:2677, 1995; and Wincott et al., Methods Mol. Bio. 74:59, 1997; and makes use of common nucleic acid protecting and coupling groups, such as dimethoxytrityl at the 5′-end, and phosphoramidites at the 3′-end. Detailed descriptions of a variety of synthetic methods to produce modified iRNA agents are provided in the Examples.

Alternatively, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be synthesized separately and joined together post-synthetically, for example, by ligation (Moore et al., Science 256:9923, 1992; Draper et al., International PCT publication No. WO 93/23569; Shabarova et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 19:4247, 1991; Bellon et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides 16:951, 1997; Bellon et al., Bioconjugate 8:204, 1997), or by hybridization following synthesis and/or deprotection.

An iRNA agent can also be assembled from two distinct nucleic acid sequences or fragments wherein one fragment includes the sense region and the second fragment includes the antisense region of the iRNA agent.

iRNA agents can be modified extensively to enhance stability by modification with nuclease resistant groups, for example, 2′-amino, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-fluoro, difluorortoluoyl, 5-allyamino-pyrimidines, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-H (for a review see Usman and Cedergren, Trends in Biochem. Sci. 17:34, 1992). iRNA constructs can be purified by gel electrophoresis using general methods or can be purified by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC; see Wincott et al., supra, the totality of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference) and re-suspended in water.

In another aspect of the invention, iRNA agents can be expressed from transcription units inserted into DNA or RNA vectors. The recombinant vectors can be DNA plasmids or viral vectors. iRNA agent-expressing viral vectors can be constructed based on, but not limited to, adeno-associated virus, retrovirus, adenovirus, or alphavirus. The recombinant vectors capable of expressing the iRNA agents can be delivered as described herein, and persist in target cells. Alternatively, viral vectors can be used that provide for transient expression of iRNA agents.

Evaluating iRNA Agents.

Any of the iRNA agents described herein can be evaluated and modified as follows.

An iRNA agent may be susceptible to cleavage by an endonuclease or exonuclease, such as when the iRNA agent is introduced into the body of a subject. Methods can be used to determine sites of cleavage, e.g., endo- and exonucleolytic cleavage on an iRNA agent and to determine the mechanism of cleavage. An iRNA agent can be modified to inhibit such cleavage.

A dsRNA, e.g., an iRNA agent, can be evaluated to identify sites that are susceptible to modification, particularly cleavage, e.g., cleavage by a component found in the body of a subject. The component can be specific for a particular area of the body, such as a particular tissue, organ, or bodily fluid (e.g., blood, plasma, or serum). Sites in an iRNA agent that are susceptible to cleavage, either by endonucleolytic or exonucleolytic cleavage, in certain areas of the body, may be resistant to cleavage in other areas of the body.

A method for evaluating an iRNA agent can include: (1) determining the point or points at which a substance present in the body of a subject, and preferably a component present in a compartment of the body into which a therapeutic dsRNA is to be introduced (this includes compartments into which the therapeutic is directly introduced, e.g., the circulation, as well as in compartments to which the therapeutic is eventually targeted, e.g, the liver or kidney; in some cases, e.g, the eye, the two are the same), cleaves a dsRNA, e.g., an iRNA agent; and (2) identifying one or more points of cleavage, e.g., endonucleolytic, exonucleolytic, or both, in the dsRNA. Optionally, the method further includes providing an RNA (e.g., an iRNA agent) modified to inhibit cleavage at such sites.

The steps described above can be accomplished by using one or more of the following assays:

(i) (a) contacting a candidate dsRNA, e.g., an iRNA agent, with a test agent (e.g., a biological agent),

-   -   (b) using a size-based assay, e.g., gel electrophoresis to         determine if the iRNA agent is cleaved. In a preferred         embodiment a time course is taken and a number of samples         incubated for different times are applied to the size-based         assay. In preferred embodiments, the candidate dsRNA is not         labeled. The method can be a “stains all” method.

(ii) (a) supplying a candidate dsRNA, e.g., an iRNA agent, which is radiolabeled;

-   -   (b) contacting the candidate dsRNA with a test agent,     -   (c) using a size-based assay, e.g., gel electrophoresis to         determine if the iRNA agent is cleaved. In a preferred         embodiment, a time course is taken where a number of samples are         incubated for different times and applied to the size-based         assay. In preferred embodiments the determination is made under         conditions that allow determination of the number of nucleotides         present in a fragment. For example, an incubated sample is run         on a gel having markers that allow assignment of the length of         cleavage products. The gel can include a standard that is a         “ladder” digestion. Either the sense or antisense strand can be         labeled. Preferably only one strand is labeled in a particular         experiment. The label can be incorporated at the 5′ end, 3′ end,         or at an internal position. Length of a fragment (and thus the         point of cleavage) can be determined from the size of the         fragment based on the ladder and mapping using a site-specific         endonuclease such as RNAse T1.

(iii) Fragments produced by any method, e.g., one described herein, e.g., one of those above, can be analyzed by mass spectrometry. Following contacting the iRNA with the test agent, the iRNA can be purified (e.g., partially purified), such as by phenol-chloroform extraction followed by precipitation. Liquid chromatography can then be used to separate the fragments and mass spectrometry can be used to determine the mass of each fragment. This allows determination of the mechanism of cleavage, e.g., if by direct phosphate cleavage, such as by 5′ or 3′ exonuclease cleavage, or mediated by the 2′OH via formation of a cyclic phosphate.

In another embodiment, the information relating to a site of cleavage is used to select a backbone atom, a sugar or a base, for modification, e.g., a modification to decrease cleavage.

Exemplary modifications include modifications that inhibit endonucleolytic degradation, including the modifications described herein. Particularly favored modifications include: 2′ modification, e.g., a 2′-O-methylated nucleotide or 2′-deoxy nucleotide (e.g., 2′ deoxy-cytodine), or a 2′-fluoro, difluorotoluoyl, 5-Me-2′-pyrimidines, 5-allyamino-pyrimidines, 2′-O-methoxyethyl, 2′-hydroxy, or 2′-ara-fluoro nucleotide, or a locked nucleic acid (LNA), extended nucleic acid (ENA), hexose nucleic acid (HNA), or cyclohexene nucleic acid (CeNA). In one embodiment, the 2′ modification is on the uridine of at least one 5′-uridine-adenine-3′ (5′-UA-3′) dinucleotide, at least one 5′-uridine-guanine-3′ (5′-UG-3′) dinucleotide, at least one 5′-uridine-uridine-3′ (5′-UU-3′) dinucleotide, or at least one 5′-uridine-cytidine-3′ (5′-UC-3′) dinucleotide, or on the cytidine of at least one 5′-cytidine-adenine-3′ (5′-CA-3′) dinucleotide, at least one 5′-cytidine-cytidine-3′ (5′-CC-3′) dinucleotide, or at least one 5′-cytidine-uridine-3′ (5′-CU-3′) dinucleotide. The 2′ modification can also be applied to all the pyrimidines in an iRNA agent. In one preferred embodiment, the 2′ modification is a 2′OMe modification on the sense strand of an iRNA agent. In a more preferred embodiment the 2′ modification is a 2′ fluoro modification, and the 2′ fluoro is on the sense or antisense strand or on both strands.

Modification of the backbone, e.g., with the replacement of an O with an S, in the phosphate backbone, e.g., the provision of a phosphorothioate modification can be used to inhibit endonuclease activity. In some embodiments, an iRNA agent has been modified by replacing one or more ribonucleotides with deoxyribonucleotides. Preferably, adjacent deoxyribonucleotides are joined by phosphorothioate linkages, and the iRNA agent does not include more than four consecutive deoxyribonucleotides on the sense or the antisense strands. Replacement of the U with a C5 amino linker; replacement of an A with a G (sequence changes are preferred to be located on the sense strand and not the antisense strand); or modification of the sugar at the 2′, 6′, 7′, or 8′ position can also inhibit endonuclease cleavage of the iRNA agent. Preferred embodiments are those in which one or more of these modifications are present on the sense but not the antisense strand, or embodiments where the antisense strand has fewer of such modifications.

Exemplary modifications also include those that inhibit degradation by exonucleases. Examples of modifications that inhibit exonucleolytic degradation can be found herein. In one embodiment, an iRNA agent includes a phosphorothioate linkage or P-alkyl modification in the linkages between one or more of the terminal nucleotides of an iRNA agent. In another embodiment, one or more terminal nucleotides of an iRNA agent include a sugar modification, e.g., a 2′ or 3′ sugar modification. Exemplary sugar modifications include, for example, a 2′-β-methylated nucleotide, 2′-deoxy nucleotide (e.g., deoxy-cytodine), 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro (2′-F) nucleotide, 2′-O-methoxyethyl (2′-O-MOE), 2′-O-aminopropyl (2′-O-AP), 2′-O—N-methylacetamido (2′-O-NMA), 2′-O-dimethylaminoethlyoxyethyl (2′-DMAEOE), 2′-O-dimethylaminoethyl (2′-O-DMAOE), 2′-O-dimethylaminopropyl (2′-O-AP), 2′-hydroxy nucleotide, or a 2′-ara-fluoro nucleotide, or a locked nucleic acid (LNA), extended nucleic acid (ENA), hexose nucleic acid (HNA), or cyclohexene nucleic acid (CeNA). A 2′ modification is preferably 2′OMe, more preferably, 2′ fluoro.

The modifications described to inhibit exonucleolytic cleavage can be combined onto a single iRNA agent. For example, in one embodiment, at least one terminal nucleotide of an iRNA agent has a phosphorothioate linkage and a 2′ sugar modification, e.g., a 2′F or 2′OMe modification. In another embodiment, at least one terminal nucleotide of an iRNA agent has a 5′ Me-pyrimidine and a 2′ sugar modification, e.g., a 2′F or 2′OMe modification.

To inhibit exonuclease cleavage, an iRNA agent can include a nucleobase modification, such as a cationic modification, such as a 3′-abasic cationic modification. The cationic modification can be, e.g., an alkylamino-dT (e.g., a C6 amino-dT), an allylamino conjugate, a pyrrolidine conjugate, a pthalamido or a hydroxyprolinol conjugate, on one or more of the terminal nucleotides of the iRNA agent. An alkylamino-dT conjugate is preferably attached to the 3′ end of the sense or antisense strand of an iRNA agent. A pyrrolidine linker is preferably attached to the 3′ or 5′ end of the sense strand, or the 3′ end of the antisense strand. An allyl amine uridine is preferably on the 3′ or 5′ end of the sense strand, and not on the 5′ end of the antisense strand.

In another embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a conjugate on one or more of the terminal nucleotides of the iRNA agent. The conjugate can be, for example, a lipophile, a terpene, a protein binding agent, a vitamin, a carbohydrate, a retiniod, or a peptide. For example, the conjugate can be naproxen, nitroindole (or another conjugate that contributes to stacking interactions), folate, ibuprofen, cholesterol, retinoids, PEG, or a C5 pyrimidine linker. In other embodiments, the conjugates are glyceride lipid conjugates (e.g. a dialkyl glyceride derivatives), vitamin E conjugates, or thio-cholesterols. Preferably, conjugates are on the 3′ end of the antisense strand, or on the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand, and preferably the conjugates are not on the 3′ end of the antisense strand and on the 3′ end of the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the conjugate is naproxen, and the conjugate is preferably on the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense or antisense strands. In one embodiment, the conjugate is cholesterol, and the conjugate is preferably on the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand and preferably not present on the antisense strand. In some embodiments, the cholesterol is conjugated to the iRNA agent by a pyrrolidine linker, or serinol linker, aminooxy, or hydroxyprolinol linker. In other embodiments, the conjugate is a dU-cholesterol, or cholesterol is conjugated to the iRNA agent by a disulfide linkage. In another embodiment, the conjugate is cholanic acid, and the cholanic acid is attached to the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand, or the 3′ end of the antisense strand. In one embodiment, the cholanic acid is attached to the 3′ end of the sense strand and the 3′ end of the antisense strand. In another embodiment, the conjugate is PEGS, PEG20, naproxen or retinal.

In another embodiment, one or more terminal nucleotides have a 2′-5′ linkage. Preferably, a 2′-5′ linkage occurs on the sense strand, e.g., the 5′ end of the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent includes an L-sugar, preferably at the 5′ or 3′ end of the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agent includes a methylphosphonate at one or more terminal nucleotides to enhance exonuclease resistance, e.g., at the 3′ end of the sense or antisense strands of the iRNA agent.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent has been modified by replacing one or more ribonucleotides with deoxyribonucleotides. Preferably, adjacent deoxyribonucleotides are joined by phosphorothioate linkages, and the iRNA agent does not include more than four consecutive deoxyribonucleotides on the sense or the antisense strands.

In some embodiments, an iRNA agent having increased stability in cells and biological samples includes a difluorotoluoyl (DFT) modification, e.g., 2,4-difluorotoluoyl uracil, or a guanidine to inosine substitution.

The methods described can be used to select and/or optimize a therapeutic dsRNA, e.g., iRNA agent. dsRNAs, e.g., iRNA agents, made by a method described herein are within the invention.

The methods can be used to evaluate a candidate dsRNA, e.g., a candidate iRNA agent, which is unmodified or which includes a modification, e.g., a modification that inhibits degradation, targets the dsRNA molecule, or modulates hybridization. Such modifications are described herein. A cleavage assay can be combined with an assay to determine the ability of a modified or non-modified candidate to silence the target. For example, one might (optionally) test a candidate to evaluate its ability to silence a target (or off-target sequence), evaluate its susceptibility to cleavage, modify it (e.g., as described herein, e.g., to inhibit degradation) to produce a modified candidate, and test the modified candidate for one or both of the ability to silence and the ability to resist degradation. The procedure can be repeated. Modifications can be introduced one at a time or in groups. It will often be convenient to use a cell-based method to monitor the ability to silence a target RNA. This can be followed by a different method, e.g, a whole animal method, to confirm activity.

The invention includes using information on cleavage sites obtained by a method described herein to modify a dsRNA, e.g., an iRNA agent.

Optimizing the Activity of the Nucleic Acid Molecules of the Invention

Chemically synthesizing nucleic acid molecules with modifications (base, sugar and/or phosphate) can prevent their degradation by serum ribonucleases, which can increase their potency (see e.g., Eckstein et al., International Publication No. WO 92/07065; Perrault et al., Nature 344:565, 1990; Phieken et al., Science 253:314, 1991; Usman and Cedergren, Trends in Biochem. Sci. 17:334, 1992; Usman et al., International Publication No. WO 93/15187; and Rossi et al., International Publication No. WO 91/03162; Sproat, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,711; Gold et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,074; and Burgin et al., supra; all of which are incorporated by reference herein). All of the above references describe various chemical modifications that can be made to the base, phosphate and/or sugar moieties of the nucleic acid molecules described herein. Modifications that enhance their efficacy in cells, and removal of bases from nucleic acid molecules to shorten oligonucleotide synthesis times and reduce chemical requirements are desired.

Other suitable modifications to a sugar, base, or backbone of an iRNA agent are described elsewhere herein.

There are several examples in the art describing sugar, base and phosphate modifications that can be introduced into nucleic acid molecules with significant enhancement in their nuclease stability and efficacy. For example, oligonucleotides are modified to enhance stability and/or enhance biological activity by modification with nuclease resistant groups, for example, 2′-amino, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-H, nucleotide base modifications (for a review see Usman and Cedergren, Trends in Biochem. Sci. 17:34, 1992; Usman et al., Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser. 31:163, 1994; Burgin et al., Biochemistry 35:14090, 1996). Sugar modification of nucleic acid molecules have been extensively described in the art (see Eckstein et al., International Publication PCT No. WO 92/07065; Perrault et al., Nature 344:565, 1990; Pieken et al. Science 253:314, 1991; Usman and Cedergren, Trends in Biochem. Sci. 17:334, 1992; Usman et al., International Publication PCT No. WO93/15187; Sproat, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,711, and Beigelman et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270:25702, 1995; Beigelman et al., International PCT publication No. WO 97/26270; Beigelman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,824; Usman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,053; Woolf et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 98/13526; Karpeisky et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 39:1131, 1998; Earnshaw and Gait, Biopolymers (Nucleic Acid Sciences) 48:39, 1998; Verma and Eckstein, Annu. Rev. Biochem. 67:99, 1998; and Burlina et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 5:1999, 1997; all of the references are hereby incorporated in their totality by reference herein). Such publications describe general methods and strategies to determine the location of incorporation of sugar, base and/or phosphate modifications and the like into nucleic acid molecules without modulating catalysis, and are incorporated by reference herein. In view of such teachings, similar modifications can be used as described herein to modify the iRNA nucleic acid molecules of the instant invention so long as the ability of iRNA agents to promote RNAi in cells is not significantly inhibited.

While chemical modification of oligonucleotide internucleotide linkages with phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, and/or 5′-methylphosphonate linkages improves stability, excessive modifications can cause some toxicity or decreased activity. Therefore, when designing nucleic acid molecules, the amount of these internucleotide linkages should be minimized. The reduction in the concentration of these linkages should lower toxicity, resulting in increased efficacy and higher specificity of these molecules.

The 3′ and 5′ ends of an iRNA agent can be modified. Such modifications can be at the 3′ end, 5′ end or both ends of the molecule. They can include modification or replacement of an entire terminal phosphate or of one or more of the atoms of the phosphate group. For example, the 3′ and 5′ ends of an oligonucleotide can be conjugated to other functional molecular entities such as labeling moieties, e.g., fluorophores (e.g., pyrene, TAMRA, fluorescein, Cy3 or Cy5 dyes) or protecting groups (based e.g., on sulfur, silicon, boron or ester). The functional molecular entities can be attached to the sugar through a phosphate group and/or a spacer. The terminal atom of the spacer can connect to or replace the linking atom of the phosphate group or the C-3′ or C-5′ O, N, S or C group of the sugar. Alternatively, the spacer can connect to or replace the terminal atom of a nucleotide surrogate (e.g., PNAs). These spacers or linkers can include e.g., —(CH2)n-, —(CH2)nN—, —(CH2)nO—, —(CH2)nS—, O(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2OH (e.g., n=3 or 6), abasic sugars, amide, carboxy, amine, oxyamine, oxyimine, thioether, disulfide, thiourea, sulfonamide, or morpholino, or biotin and fluorescein reagents. When a spacer/phosphate-functional molecular entity-spacer/phosphate array is interposed between two sequences of an iRNA agent, the array can substitute for a hairpin RNA loop in a hairpin-type RNA agent. The 3′ end can be an —OH group. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that conjugation of certain moieties can improve transport, hybridization, and specificity properties. Again, while not wishing to be bound by theory, it may be desirable to introduce terminal alterations that improve nuclease resistance. Other examples of terminal modifications include dyes, intercalating agents (e.g., acridines), cross-linkers (e.g., psoralen, mitomycin C), porphyrins (TPPC4, texaphyrin, Sapphyrin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., phenazine, dihydrophenazine), artificial endonucleases (e.g., EDTA), lipophilic carriers (e.g., cholesterol, cholic acid, adamantane acetic acid, 1-pyrene butyric acid, dihydrotestosterone, 1,3-Bis-O(hexadecyl)glycerol, geranyloxyhexyl group, hexadecylglycerol, borneol, menthol, 1,3-propanediol, heptadecyl group, palmitic acid, myristic acid, O3-(oleoyl)lithocholic acid, O3-(oleoyl)cholenic acid, dimethoxytrityl, or phenoxazine) and peptide conjugates (e.g., antennapedia peptide, Tat peptide), alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG (e.g., PEG-40K), MPEG, [MPEG]2, polyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabeled markers, enzymes, haptens (e.g., biotin), transport/absorption facilitators (e.g., aspirin, vitamin E, folic acid), and synthetic ribonucleases (e.g., imidazole, bisimidazole, histamine, imidazole clusters, acridine-imidazole conjugates, Eu3+ complexes of tetraazamacrocycles). In some embodiments, conjugates such as retinol or retinoic acid can be attached to the 5′ or 3′ end, or both ends, of an iRNA agent. Use of such conjugates may improve specific uptake and delivery of iRNA agents to cells that express retinol receptors, such as retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Terminal modifications can be added for a number of reasons, such as to modulate activity or to modulate resistance to degradation. Terminal modifications useful for modulating activity include modification of the 5′ end with phosphate or phosphate analogs. For example, in preferred embodiments iRNA agents, especially antisense sequences, are 5′ phosphorylated or include a phosphoryl analog at the 5′ prime terminus. 5′-phosphate modifications include those which are compatible with RISC mediated gene silencing. Suitable modifications include: 5′-monophosphate ((HO)2(O)P—O-5′); 5′-diphosphate ((HO)2(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-triphosphate ((HO)2(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-guanosine cap (7-methylated or non-methylated) (7m-G-O-5′-(HO)(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-adenosine cap (Appp), and any modified or unmodified nucleotide cap structure (N—O-5′-(HO)(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5′); 5′-monothiophosphate (phosphorothioate; (HO)2(S)P—O-5′); 5′-monodithiophosphate (phosphorodithioate; (HO)(HS)(S)P—O-5′), 5′-phosphorothiolate ((HO)2(O)P—S-5′); any additional combination of oxygen/sulfur replaced monophosphate, diphosphate and triphosphates (e.g., 5′-alpha-thiotriphosphate, 5′-gamma-thiotriphosphate, etc.), 5′-phosphoramidates ((HO)₂(O)P—NH-5′, (HO)(NH2)(O)P—O-5′), 5′-alkylphosphonates (R=alkyl=methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, propyl, etc., e.g., RP(OH)(O)—O-5′-, (OH)₂(O)P-5′-CH2-), 5′-alkyletherphosphonates (R=alkylether=methoxymethyl (MeOCH2-), ethoxymethyl, etc., e.g., RP(OH)(O)—O-5′-).

In another embodiment, the invention features conjugates and/or complexes of iRNA agents of the invention. Such conjugates and/or complexes can be used to facilitate delivery of iRNA agents into a biological system, such as a cell. The conjugates and complexes provided by the instant invention can impart therapeutic activity by transferring therapeutic compounds across cellular membranes, altering the pharmacokinetics, and/or modulating the localization of nucleic acid molecules of the invention. The present invention encompasses the design and synthesis of novel conjugates and complexes for the delivery of molecules, including, but not limited to, small molecules, lipids, phospholipids, nucleosides, nucleotides, nucleic acids, antibodies, toxins, negatively charged polymers and other polymers, for example, proteins, peptides, hormones, carbohydrates, polyethylene glycols, or polyamines, across cellular membranes. In general, the transporters described are designed to be used either individually or as part of a multi-component system, with or without degradable linkers. These compounds are expected to improve delivery and/or localization of nucleic acid molecules of the invention into a number of cell types originating from different tissues, in the presence or absence of serum (see Sullenger and Cech, U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,038). Conjugates of the molecules described herein can be attached to biologically active molecules via linkers that are biodegradable, such as biodegradable nucleic acid linker molecules.

Administration of the iRNA Agents

A patient who has been diagnosed with a disorder characterized by unwanted VEGF expression can be treated by administration of an iRNA agent described herein to block the negative effects of VEGF, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with unwanted VEGF gene expression. For example, the iRNA agent can alleviate symptoms associated with a disease of the eye, such as a neovascular disorder. In other examples, the iRNA agent can be administered to treat a patient who has a tumor or metastatic cancer, such as colon or breast cancer; a pulmonary disease, such as asthma or bronchitis; or an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. The anti-VEGF iRNA agents can be administered systemically, e.g., orally or by intramuscular injection or by intravenous injection, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier adapted for the route of administration. An iRNA agent can comprise a delivery vehicle, including liposomes, for administration to a subject, carriers and diluents and their salts, and/or can be present in pharmaceutically acceptable formulations. Methods for the delivery of nucleic acid molecules are described in Akhtar et al., Trends in Cell Bio. 2:139, 1992; Delivery Strategies for Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics, ed Akhtar, 1995; Maurer et al., Mol. Membr. Biol., 16:129, 1999; Hofland and Huang, Handb. Exp. Pharmacol. 137:165, 1999; and Lee et al., ACS Symp. Ser. 752:184, 2000, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Beigelman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,713 and Sullivan et al., PCT WO 94/02595 further describe the general methods for delivery of nucleic acid molecules. Nucleic acid molecules can be administered to cells by a variety of methods known to those of skill in the art, including, but not restricted to, encapsulation in liposomes, by ionophoresis, or by incorporation into other vehicles, such as hydrogels, cyclodextrins (see for example Gonzalez et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 10:1068, 1999), biodegradable nanocapsules, and bioadhesive microspheres, or by proteinaceous vectors (O'Hare and Normand, International PCT Publication No. WO 00/53722).

In the present methods, the iRNA agent can be administered to the subject either as naked iRNA agent, in conjunction with a delivery reagent, or as a recombinant plasmid or viral vector which expresses the iRNA agent. Preferably, the iRNA agent is administered as naked iRNA.

The iRNA agent of the invention can be administered to the subject by any means suitable for delivering the iRNA agent to the cells of the tissue at or near the area of unwanted VEGF expression, such as at or near an area of neovascularization. For example, the iRNA agent can be administered by gene gun, electroporation, or by other suitable parenteral administration routes.

Suitable enteral administration routes include oral delivery.

Suitable parenteral administration routes include intravascular administration (e.g., intravenous bolus injection, intravenous infusion, intra-arterial bolus injection, intra-arterial infusion and catheter instillation into the vasculature); peri- and intra-tissue injection (e.g., intraocular injection, intra-retinal injection, or sub-retinal injection); subcutaneous injection or deposition including subcutaneous infusion (such as by osmotic pumps); direct application to the area at or near the site of neovascularization, for example by a catheter or other placement device (e.g., a retinal pellet or an implant comprising a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material). It is preferred that injections or infusions of the iRNA agent be given at or near the site of neovascularization.

The iRNA agent of the invention can be delivered using an intraocular implant. Such implants can be biodegradable and/or biocompatible implants, or may be non-biodegradable implants. The implants may be permeable or impermeable to the active agent, and may be inserted into a chamber of the eye, such as the anterior or posterior chambers, or may be implanted in the sclera, transchoroidal space, or an avascularized region exterior to the vitreous. In a preferred embodiment, the implant may be positioned over an avascular region, such as on the sclera, so as to allow for transcleral diffusion of the drug to the desired site of treatment, e.g., the intraocular space and macula of the eye. Furthermore, the site of transcleral diffusion is preferably in proximity to the macula.

The iRNA agent of the invention can also be administered topically, for example, by patch or by direct application to the eye, or by iontophoresis. Ointments, sprays, or droppable liquids can be delivered by ocular delivery systems known in the art such as applicators or eyedroppers. The compositions can be administered directly to the surface of the eye or to the interior of the eyelid. Such compositions can include mucomimetics such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or poly(vinyl alcohol), preservatives such as sorbic acid, EDTA or benzylchronium chloride, and the usual quantities of diluents and/or carriers.

The iRNA agent of the invention may be provided in sustained release compositions, such as those described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,659 and 5,595,760. The use of immediate or sustained release compositions depends on the nature of the condition being treated. If the condition consists of an acute or over-acute disorder, treatment with an immediate release form will be preferred over a prolonged release composition. Alternatively, for certain preventative or long-term treatments, a sustained release composition may be appropriate.

An iRNA agent can be injected into the interior of the eye, such as with a needle or other delivery device.

The iRNA agent of the invention can be administered in a single dose or in multiple doses. Where the administration of the iRNA agent of the invention is by infusion, the infusion can be a single sustained dose or can be delivered by multiple infusions. Injection of the agent directly into the tissue is at or near the site of neovascularization is preferred. Multiple injections of the agent into the tissue at or near the site of neovascularization are also preferred.

Dosage levels on the order of about 1 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight per administration are useful in the treatment of the neovascular diseases. When administered directly to the eye, the preferred dosage range is about 0.00001 mg to about 3 mg per eye, or preferrably about 0.0001-0.001 mg per eye, about 0.03-3.0 mg per eye, about 0.1-3.0 mg per eye or about 0.3-3.0 mg per eye. One skilled in the art can also readily determine an appropriate dosage regimen for administering the iRNA agent of the invention to a given subject. For example, the iRNA agent can be administered to the subject once, e.g., as a single injection or deposition at or near the neovascularization site. Alternatively, the iRNA agent can be administered once or twice daily to a subject for a period of from about three to about twenty-eight days, more preferably from about seven to about ten days. In a preferred dosage regimen, the iRNA agent is injected at or near a site of unwanted VEGF expression (such as near a site of neovascularization) once a day for seven days. Where a dosage regimen comprises multiple administrations, it is understood that the effective amount of iRNA agent administered to the subject can comprise the total amount of iRNA agent administered over the entire dosage regimen. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the exact individual dosages may be adjusted somewhat depending on a variety of factors, including the specific iRNA agent being administered, the time of administration, the route of administration, the nature of the formulation, the rate of excretion, the particular disorder being treated, the severity of the disorder, the pharmacodynamics of the iRNA agent, and the age, sex, weight, and general health of the patient. Wide variations in the necessary dosage level are to be expected in view of the differing efficiencies of the various routes of administration. For instance, oral administration generally would be expected to require higher dosage levels than administration by intravenous or intravitreal injection. Variations in these dosage levels can be adjusted using standard empirical routines of optimization, which are well-known in the art. The precise therapeutically effective dosage levels and patterns are preferably determined by the attending physician in consideration of the above-identified factors.

In addition to treating pre-existing neovascular diseases, iRNA agents of the invention can be administered prophylactically in order to prevent or slow the onset of these and related disorders. In prophylactic applications, an iRNA of the invention is administered to a patient susceptible to or otherwise at risk of a particular neovascular disorder.

The iRNA agents featured by the invention are preferably formulated as pharmaceutical compositions prior to administering to a subject, according to techniques known in the art. Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are characterized as being at least sterile and pyrogen-free. As used herein, “pharmaceutical formulations” include formulations for human and veterinary use. Methods for preparing pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are within the skill in the art, for example as described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 18th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. (1990), and The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 2003, Gennaro et al., the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The present pharmaceutical formulations comprise an iRNA agent of the invention (e.g., 0.1 to 90% by weight), or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, mixed with a physiologically acceptable carrier medium. Preferred physiologically acceptable carrier media are water, buffered water, normal saline, 0.4% saline, 0.3% glycine, hyaluronic acid and the like.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can also comprise conventional pharmaceutical excipients and/or additives. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include stabilizers, antioxidants, osmolality adjusting agents, buffers, and pH adjusting agents. Suitable additives include physiologically biocompatible buffers (e.g., tromethamine hydrochloride), additions of chelants (such as, for example, DTPA or DTPA-bisamide) or calcium chelate complexes (as for example calcium DTPA, CaNaDTPA-bisamide), or, optionally, additions of calcium or sodium salts (for example, calcium chloride, calcium ascorbate, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate). Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be packaged for use in liquid form, or can be lyophilized.

For solid compositions, conventional non-toxic solid carriers can be used; for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, and the like.

For example, a solid pharmaceutical composition for oral administration can comprise any of the carriers and excipients listed above and 10-95%, preferably 25%-75%, of one or more iRNA agents of the invention.

By “pharmaceutically acceptable formulation” is meant a composition or formulation that allows for the effective distribution of the nucleic acid molecules of the instant invention in the physical location most suitable for their desired activity. Non-limiting examples of agents suitable for formulation with the nucleic acid molecules of the instant invention include: P-glycoprotein inhibitors (such as PluronicP85), which can enhance entry of drugs into the CNS (Jolliet-Riant and Tillement, Fundam. Clin. Pharmacol. 13:16, 1999); biodegradable polymers, such as poly (DL-lactide-coglycolide) microspheres for sustained release delivery. Other non-limiting examples of delivery strategies for the nucleic acid molecules of the instant invention include material described in Boado et al., J. Pharm. Sci. 87:1308, 1998; Tyler et al., FEBS Lett. 421:280, 1999; Pardridge et al., PNAS USA. 92:5592, 1995; Boado, Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 15:73, 1995; Aldrian-Herrada et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 26:4910, 1998; and Tyler et al., PNAS USA 96:7053, 1999.

The invention also features the use of the composition comprising surface-modified liposomes containing poly (ethylene glycol) lipids (PEG-modified, or long-circulating liposomes or stealth liposomes). These formulations offer a method for increasing the accumulation of drugs in target tissues. This class of drug carriers resists opsonization and elimination by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS or RES), thereby enabling longer blood circulation times and enhanced tissue exposure for the encapsulated drug (Lasic et al., Chem. Rev. 95:2601, 1995; Ishiwata et al., Chem. Phare. Bull. 43:1005, 1995).

Such liposomes have been shown to accumulate selectively in tumors, presumably by extravasation and capture in the neovascularized target tissues (Lasic et al., Science 267:1275, 1995; Oku et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1238:86, 1995). The long-circulating liposomes enhance the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of DNA and RNA, particularly compared to conventional cationic liposomes which are known to accumulate in tissues of the MPS (Liu et al., J. Biol. Chem. 42:24864, 1995; Choi et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 96/10391; Ansell et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 96/10390; Holland et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 96/10392). Long-circulating liposomes are also likely to protect drugs from nuclease degradation to a greater extent compared to cationic liposomes, based on their ability to avoid accumulation in metabolically aggressive MPS tissues such as the liver and spleen.

The present invention also includes compositions prepared for storage or administration that include a pharmaceutically effective amount of the desired compounds in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Acceptable carriers or diluents for therapeutic use are well known in the pharmaceutical art, and are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co. (A. R. Gennaro edit. 1985), hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, preservatives, stabilizers, dyes and flavoring agents can be provided. These include sodium benzoate, sorbic acid and esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. In addition, antioxidants and suspending agents can be used.

The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can also be administered to a subject in combination with other therapeutic compounds to increase the overall therapeutic effect. The use of multiple compounds to treat an indication can increase the beneficial effects while reducing the presence of side effects.

Alternatively, certain iRNA agents of the instant invention can be expressed within cells from eukaryotic promoters (e.g., Izant and Weintraub, Science 229:345, 1985; McGarry and Lindquist, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:399, 1986; Scanlon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:10591, 1991; Kashani-Sabet et al., Antisense Res. Dev. 2:3, 1992; Dropulic et al., J. Virol. 66:1432, 1992; Weerasinghe et al., J. Virol. 65:5531, 1991; Ojwang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10802, 1992; Chen et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 20:4581, 1992; Sarver et al., Science 247:1222, 1990; Thompson et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 23:2259, 1995; Good et al., Gene Therapy 4:45, 1997). Those skilled in the art realize that any nucleic acid can be expressed in eukaryotic cells from the appropriate DNA/RNA vector. The activity of such nucleic acids can be augmented by their release from the primary transcript by a enzymatic nucleic acid (Draper et al., PCT WO 93/23569, and Sullivan et al., PCT WO 94/02595; Ohkawa et al., Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser. 27:156, 1992; Taira et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 19:5125, 1991; Ventura et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 21:3249, 1993; Chowrira et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269:25856, 1994).

In another aspect of the invention, RNA molecules of the present invention can be expressed from transcription units (see for example Couture et al., Trends in Genetics 12:510, 1996) inserted into DNA or RNA vectors. The recombinant vectors can be DNA plasmids or viral vectors. iRNA agent-expressing viral vectors can be constructed based on, but not limited to, adeno-associated virus, retrovirus, adenovirus, or alphavirus. In another embodiment, pol III based constructs are used to express nucleic acid molecules of the invention (see for example Thompson, U.S. Pats. Nos. 5,902,880 and 6,146,886). The recombinant vectors capable of expressing the iRNA agents can be delivered as described above, and persist in target cells. Alternatively, viral vectors can be used that provide for transient expression of nucleic acid molecules. Such vectors can be repeatedly administered as necessary. Once expressed, the iRNA agent interacts with the target mRNA and generates an RNAi response. Delivery of iRNA agent-expressing vectors can be systemic, such as by intravenous or intra-muscular administration, by administration to target cells ex-planted from a subject followed by reintroduction into the subject, or by any other means that would allow for introduction into the desired target cell (for a review see Couture et al., Trends in Genetics 12:510, 1996).

Additional ophthalmic indications for the iRNA agents of the invention include proliferative diabetic retinopathy (the most severe stage of diabetic retinopathy), uveitis (an inflammatory condition of the eye that often leads to macular edema), cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery, myopic degeneration (a condition in which a patient with a high degree of nearsightedness develops choroidal neovascularization), inflammatory macular degeneration (a condition in which a patient with inflammation in the macular area due to infections or other causes, develops choroidal neovascularization), and iris neovascularization (a serious complication of diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion involving new blood vessel growth on the surface of the iris).

Additional non-ophthalmic indications for the iRNA agents of the invention include cancer, including but not limited to renal and colon cancer, and psoriasis. Solid tumors and their metastases rely on new blood vessel growth for their survival.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick white or red patches of skin. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that VEGF-induced blood vessel growth and blood vessel leakage play a role in the development of this condition.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as further limiting.

EXAMPLES Example 1 siRNA Design

Four hundred target sequences were identified within exons 1-5 of the VEGF-A121 mRNA sequence (See Table 1, SEQ ID NOs 2-401) and corresponding siRNAs targeting these subjected to a bioinformatics screen.

To ensure that the sequences were specific to VEGF sequence and not to sequences from any other genes, the target sequences were checked against the sequences in Genbank using the BLAST search engine provided by NCBI. The use of the BLAST algorithm is described in Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403, 1990; and Altschul and Gish, Meth. Enzymol. 266:460, 1996.

siRNAs were also prioritized for their ability to cross react with monkey, rat and human VEGF sequences.

Of these 400 potential target sequences 80 were selected for analysis by experimental screening in order to identify a small number of lead candidates. A total of 114 siRNA molecules were designed for these 80 target sequences 114 (Table 2).

Example 2 Synthesis of the siRNA Oligonucleotides

RNA was synthesized on Expedite 8909, ABI 392 and ABI394 Synthesizers (Applied Biosystems, Applera Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurter Str. 129b, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany) at 1 μmole scale employing CPG solid support and Expedite RNA phosphoramidites (both from Proligo Biochemie GmbH, Georg-Hyken-Str. 14, Hamburg, Germany). Ancillary reagents were obtained from Mallinckrodt Baker (Im Leuschnerpark 4:64347 Griesheim, Germany). Phosphorothioate linkages were introduced by replacement of the iodine oxidizer solution with a solution of the Beaucage reagent in acetonitrile (5% weight per volume).

Cleavage of the oligoribonucleotides from the solid support and base deprotection was accomplished with a 3:1 (v/v) mixture of methylamine (41%) in water and methylamine (33%) in ethanol. 2′-Desilylation was carried out according to established procedures (Wincott et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 23:2677-2684, 1995). Crude oligoribonucleotides were purified by anion exchange HPLC using a 22×250 mm DNAPac PA 100 column with buffer A containing 10 mM NaClO₄, 20 mM Tris, pH 6.8, 6 M urea and buffer B containing 400 mM NaClO₄, 20 mM Tris, pH 6.8, 6 M Urea. Flow rate was 4.5 mL/min starting with 15% Buffer B which was increased to 55% over 45 minutes.

The purified compounds were characterized by LC/ESI-MS (LC: Ettan Micro, Amersham Biosciences Europe GmbH, Munzinger Strasse 9, 79111 Freiburg, Germany, ESI-MS: LCQ, Deca XP, Thermo Finnigan, Im Steingrund 4-6, 63303 Dreieich, Germany) and capillary electrophoresis (P/ACE MDQ Capillary Electrophoresis System, Beckman Coulter GmbH, 85702 Unterschleiβheim, Germany). Purity of the isolated oligoribonucleotides was at least 85%.

Yields and concentrations were determined by UV absorption of a solution of the respective RNA at a wavelength of 260 nm using a spectral photometer. Double stranded RNA was generated by mixing an equimolar solution of complementary strands in annealing buffer (20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8; 100 mM sodium chloride), heating in a water bath at 85-90° C. for 3 minutes and cooling to room temperature over a period of 3-4 hours. The RNA was kept at −20° C. until use.

Example 3 Efficacy Screen of siRNAs

Using two efficacy screens, the VEGF siRNA were screened for their ability to become a lead candidate. Table 2 shows the relative efficiencies of some of the siRNAs in their ability to inhibit expression of an endogenous VEGF gene. In this process the number of candidate siRNAs was winnowed. Human HeLa or ARPE-19 (human retinal pigment epithelial cell line with differentiated properties (Dunn et al., Exp. Eye Res. 62:155, 1996) were plated in 96-well plates (17,000 cells/well) in 100 μl 10% fetal bovine serum in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). When the cells reached approximately 90% confluence (approximately 24 hours later) they were transfected with serial three-fold dilutions of siRNA starting at 20 nM 0.4 μl of transfection reagent Lipofectamine™ 2000 (Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, Calif.) was used per well and transfections were performed according to the manufacturer's protocol. Namely, the siRNA: Lipofectamine™ 2000 complexes were prepared as follows. The appropriate amount of siRNA was diluted in Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium without serum and mixed gently. The Lipofectamine™ 2000 was mixed gently before use, then for each well of a 96 well plate, 0.4 μl was diluted in 25 μl of Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium without serum and mixed gently and incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. After the 5 minute incubation, 1 μl of the diluted siRNA was combined with the diluted Lipofectamine™ 2000 (total volume is 26.4 μl). The complex was mixed gently and incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the siRNA: Lipofectamine™ 2000 complexes to form. Then 100 μl of 10% fetal bovine serum in DMEM was added to each of the siRNA:Lipofectamine™ 2000 complexes and mixed gently by rocking the plate back and forth. 100 μl of the above mixture was added to each well containing the cells and the plates were incubated at 37° C. in a CO₂ incubator for 24 hours, then the culture medium was removed and 100 μl 10% fetal bovine serum in DMEM was added. Following the medium change, conditioned medium was collected at 24 hours (HeLa cells) or 72 hours (ARPE-19 cells) and a human VEGF ELISA was performed using the DuoSet human VEGF ELISA Development kit (R&D Systems, Inc. Minneapolis, Minn. 55413). This kit contains the basic component required for the development of sandwich ELISAs to measure natural and recombinant human VEGF in cell culture supernatants and serum.

The materials used included:

Capture Antibody—576 μg/ml of goat anti-human VEGF when reconstituted with 0.25 ml PBS (137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 8.1 mM Na₂HPO₄, 1.5 mM KH₂PO₄, pH 7.2-7.4, 0.2 μm filtered). After reconstitution, stored at 2-8° C. for up to 60 days or aliquoted and stored at −20° C. to −70° C. in a manual defrost freezer for up to 6 months. Diluted to a working concentration of 0.8 μg/ml in PBS without carrier protein.

Detection antibody—4.5 μg/ml of biotinylated goat anti-human VEGF when reconstituted with 1.0 ml of Reagent Diluent (1% bovine serum albumin in PBS, pH 7.2-7.4, 0.2 μm filtered. After reconstitution, stored at 2-8° C. for up to 60 days or aliquoted and stored at −20° C. to −70° C. in a manual defrost freezer for up to 6 months. Diluted to a working concentration of 25 ng/ml in Reagent Diluent.

Standard: 110 ng/ml of recombinant when reconstituted with 0.5 ml of Reagent Diluent. Allowed the standard to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes with gentle agitation prior to making dilutions. The reconstituted Standard can be stored at 2-8° C. for up to 60 days or aliquoted and stored at −20° C. to −70° C. in a manual defrost freezer for up to 6 months. A seven point standard curve using 2-fold serial dilutions in Reagent Diluent, and a high standard of 4000 pg/ml is recommended.

Streptavidin-HRP: 1.0 ml of streptavidin conjugated to horseradish-peroxidase. Stored at 2-8° C. for up to 6 months. Diluted to the working concentration specified on the vial label.

General ELISA protocol was followed (R&D Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.).

Controls included no siRNA, human VEGF siRNA (Cand5, (a.k.a., hVEGF5) Reich et al., Mol Vis. 9:210, 2003) and an siRNA matching a 21-nt sequence conserved between the human, rat and mouse VEGF (hrmVEGF, Filleur et al., Cancer Res. 63:3919-3922, 2003).

The activities of the siRNAs were compared to the activity of the control human VEGF siRNA of Reich et al. (supra) with “+” representing a lower activity, “++” representing similar activity and “+++” representing a higher activity than the control human VEGF siRNA (Table 2). FIG. 2 shows the activities of single- and double-overhang siRNAs in HeLa cells. Solid lines with filled symbols represent the single-overhang siRNA, solid lines with open symbols represent the double-overhang siRNAs; dashed lines represent the control siRNAs. All of the siRNAs are more active than the control siRNAs and may inhibit expression of VEGF by approximately 80%. In contrast, the siRNA from Reich et al. (supra) reduced the level of endogenous hVEGF by approximately 20% under the same experimental conditions. Similarly, under the same experimental conditions, the siRNA based on consensus sequence hrmVEGF (Filleur et al., supra) reduced the expression level by approximately 45%.

FIG. 3 shows the activities of single- and double-overhang siRNAs in ARPE-19 cells. Solid lines with filled symbols represent the single-overhang siRNA, solid lines with open symbols represent the double-overhang siRNAs; dashed lines represent the control siRNAs. All of the siRNAs are more active than the control siRNAs and may inhibit expression of VEGF by approximately 90%. In contrast, the siRNA from Reich et al. (Mol. Vis. 9:210, 2003) reduced the level of hVEGF by approximately 35% under the same experimental conditions. Similarly, under the same experimental conditions, the siRNA based on consensus sequence hrmVEGF (Filleur et al., supra) reduced the expression level by approximately 70%.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the results of a comparison of single- and double-overhang siRNAs with their analogous blunt-ended siRNAs, respectively in HeLa cells. The results are in agreement with the data of Elbashir et al. (Genes & Development 15:188, 2001) in that the presence of an overhang in an siRNA confers greater efficiency in inhibition of gene silencing. However, it is important to note that the activity of the blunt ended siRNAs are comparable to the results achieved using the control siRNAs.

Example 4 In Vitro Assay for the Silencing of VEGF Synthesis Under Hypoxic Conditions

Human HeLa cells were plated in 96 well plates at 10,000 cells/well in 100 μl of growth medium (10% FBS in DMEM). 24 hours post cell seeding when the cells had reached approximately 50% confluence they were transfected with serial three fold dilutions of siRNA starting at 30 nM. 0.2 μl of Lipofectamine™ 2000 transfection reagent (Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad Calif.) was used per well and transfections were carried out as described in the Invitrogen product insert. Controls included no siRNA, human VEGF siRNA (Reich et al., Mol. Vis. 9:210, 2003) and an siRNA matching a 21-nt sequence conserved between the human, rat and mouse VEGF (hrmVEGF, Filleur et al., Cancer Res. 63:3919-3922, 2003). Transfections were done in duplicate on each plate. Additionally, duplicate plates were transfected so that 24 hours post transfection the growth media could be changed and one plate could be kept in normal oxygen growth conditions (37° C., 5% CO₂, 20% oxygen) and the duplicate plate could be kept in hypoxic conditions (37° C., 1% oxygen, balance nitrogen). Hypoxic conditions were maintained by using a Pro-ox Oxygen Controller (BioSpherix, Ltd., Redfield, N.Y.) attached to a Pro-ox in vitro culture chamber. Cells were maintained in either normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 24 hours post media change. Conditioned culture media was then collected from both plates and tested for secreted VEGF levels in a DuoSet VEGF ELISA (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.). The assays were performed according to the manufacturer's protocol and as described in Example 2.

For deferoxamine chemically induced hypoxia, 130 μM deferoxamine (Sigma D9533), was used. Deferoxamine was added to the fresh growth media 24 hours post-transfection. Cells treated with deferoxamine were then grown under normal growth conditions (37° C., 5% CO₂, 20% oxygen).

FIG. 6 shows the results obtained with siRNAs (both single overhang siRNAs and double overhangs siRNAs) directed against ORF regions having the first nucleotides corresponding to 319 and 343 respectively, together with the control siRNAs. Under hypoxic conditions, either 1% oxygen (FIG. 6B) or 130 μM deferoxamine (FIG. 6C), three of the experimental siRNAs achieved almost 95% inhibition of expression of VEGF, namely AL-DP-4094 (single-overhang) directed at ORF 343, and both of the siRNAs (single and double-overhangs) directed at ORF 319. The control siRNAs of Reich et at (supra) and Filleur et al. (supra) demonstrate an ability to inhibit VEGF expression by 45% and 85% respectively.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the results obtained with the siRNAs AL-DP-4014, a phosphorothioate modified version of AL-DP-4014 (AL-DP-4127, see Table 3) and a mutated version of AL-DP-4014 (AL-DP-4140, see Table 5). Under both normal and hypoxic conditions, the unmodified (AL-DP-4014) and the phosphorothioate-modified siRNA (AL-DP-4127) reduced endogenous VEGF expression to less than 20% of its original expression level. Under hypoxic conditions, the phosphorothioate-modified siRNA essentially abolished VEGF expression.

Example 5 Modified VEGF siRNA Molecules Retain Full Activity and Show Enhanced Stability

Phosphorothioate derivatives were made for the AL-DP-4014, targeting ORF 319 of VEGF, and are presented in Table 3. These siRNAs were tested in the HeLa cell assay described in Example 3, and FIG. 7 shows that these derivatives are as active in the HeLa assay as the unmodified siRNA.

A panel of siRNAs were synthesized that retained the sequence of the AL-DP-4094 siRNA (Table 1) but included different modifications including phosphorothioate linkages, O-methyl-modified nucleotides, and 2′-fluoro-modified nucleotides (Table 4). The panel of siRNAs was tested in HeLa cells, and FIGS. 9A-9E demonstrate that all modified versions of the AL-DP-4094 siRNA effectively reduced VEGF expression by greater than 90%, exhibiting greater efficacy than either of the two previously identified VEGF siRNAs (“Acuity” in Reich et al. (supra), and “Filleur” in Filleur et al. (supra)). FIG. 10 also shows data from in vitro assays in HeLa cells. The graph in FIG. 10 shows that the unmodified AL-DP-4094 siRNA and a phosphorothioate-modified AL-DP-4004 siRNA (AL-DP-4219) reduced VEGF expression by more than 70% (FIG. 10). Scrambled versions of the compound AL-DP-4094 (e.g., AL-DP-4216 and AL-DP-4218 (sequences shown below; underlined nucleotides represent mismatched nucleotides as compared to AL-DP-4094)) did not inhibit VEGF expression. An siRNA targeting the firefly luciferase gene (AL-DP-3015; see below) also did not inhibit VEGF expression.

INCLUDED IN PA FILED

AL-DP-4216 AL4094 MI s 5′-GCACAUUGGACAGUUGUGGUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1065) AL4094 MI as ′3-GUCGUGUAACCUGUCAACACCAA-′5 (SEQ ID NO: 1091) AL-DP-4218 AL4094 M5 s 5′-GCACAUAGAAGUGACGCGCUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1062) AL4094 M5 as ′3-GUCGUGUAUCUUCACUGCGCGAA-′5 (SEQ ID NO: 1063) AL-DP-3015 5′-GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 830) ′3-CGCUUGACACACACUCUCCAGGA-′5 (SEQ ID NO: 831)

AS FILED IN ORIGINAL APP

AL-DP-4216 AL4094 MI s  5′-GCACAUUGGACAGUUGUGGUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 995) AL4094 MI as ′3-GUCGUGUAACCUGUCAACACCAA-′5 (SEQ ID NO: 1091) AL-DP-4218 AL4094 M5 s  5′-GCACAUAGAAGUGACGCGCUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 608) AL4094 M5 as ′3-GUCGUGUAUCUUCACUGCGCGAA-′5 (SEQ ID NO: 609) AL-DP-3015  5′-GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 830) ′3-CGCUUGACACACACUCUCCAGGA-′5 (SEQ ID NO: 831)

The Stains-All technique (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) was performed to examine the stability of the modified siRNAs. To perform the assay, an siRNA duplex was incubated in 90% human serum at 37° C. Samples of the reaction mix were quenched at various time points (at 0, 0.25, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours) and subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cleavage of the RNA over the time course provided information regarding the susceptibility of the siRNA duplex to serum nuclease degradation.

O-methyl and 2′ fluoro modifications used in combination with phosphorothioate modifications were found to enhance stability to a greater extent than when phosphorothioate modifications were used alone. For example, modified versions of the AL-DP-4094 siRNA included a phosphorothioate-modified siRNA (AL-DP-4198), a phosphorothioate plus O-methyl modified siRNAs (e.g., AL-DP-4180, AL-DP-4175, and AL-DP-4220), and phosphorothioate plus O-methyl plus 2′-fluoro modified siRNAs (e.g., AL-DP-4197 and AL-DP-4221) (Table 4). The AL-DP-4180, AL-DP-4175, and AL-DP-4197 siRNAs were found to be more stable in human serum than the AL-DP-4198 siRNA. It was determined that the phosphorothioate modification stabilized the siRNAs against exonucleolytic degradation, and the O-methyl and 2′-fluoro modifications stabilized the siRNAs against endonucleolytic degradation.

Example 6 In vitro Stability Assay of VEGF siRNAs in Different Rat Serum and Ocular Tissues

1. Preparation of Tissue Homogenates

Tissues from pooled whole eyes, retinas, vitreous humors from at least three rats were excised and frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue was pulverized over dry ice, using instruments that were pre-chilled on dry ice. 1 ml of RIPA buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCL, 1 mM Na₂EDTA, 0.5% Na-deoxycholate deoxycholic acid, 1% IGEPAL CA-630, 0.05% SDS) was added to the frozen tissue powder and the mixture was mixed thoroughly and vigorously. The homogenate was centrifuged at 10,000×g for 5 min at 4° C. and the pellet was discarded. 100 μl aliquots of the supernatant were transferred to pre-chilled microcentrifuge tubes and stored at −70° C. or used immediately in the stability assay.

2. 5′-End Labeling of Single Stranded Sense or Antisense siRNA Using T4 Polynucleotide Kinase and γ³²P-ATP

The following reagents were used:

-   -   T4 Polynucleotide Kinase (PNK) 10 units/μl (New England Biolabs,         Beverly, Mass.)     -   10×T4 PNK buffer (700 mM Tris-HCl, 100 mM MgCl₂, 50 mM         Dithiothreitol (DTT), pH7.6)     -   Gamma-³²P-ATP (PerkinElmer, Shelton, Conn.) 250 μCi, 3000         Ci/mmol (3.3 μM)     -   10 μM stocks of synthetic RNA oligo diluted in H₂O     -   Microspin Sephadex™ G-25 columns (Amersham Biosciences     -   RNAse-free Water and 0.65 ml microcentrifuge (1.5 ml) tubes

A 25 μl kinase reaction contained:

-   -   2.5 μl from 10 μM stock sense or antisense (1 μM final conc.)     -   2.5 μl 10×PNK Buffer (1×)     -   1.5 μl γ³²-ATP (approximately 0.2 nM)     -   1.0 μl 10 unit/μl T4 PNK (10 units)     -   17.5 μl dH₂0

The reaction mix was incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour (water bath) prior to fractionating the labeled siRNA through Sephadex™ G-25 spin columns (Amersham). 0.5 μL was used to determine the number of counts per minute (cpm)/ml of the radiolabeled sample.

3. Partial Alkaline Hydrolysis Ladder of Radiolabeled Single-Stranded siRNA

To generate a sample of size markers a portion of the 5′ γ³² P-end-labeled siRNA was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis as follows:

30 μl hydrolysis reaction containing 2.5 μl 5′ end-labeled siRNA (sense or antisense), 6.0 μl 0.5M Na₂CO₃/NaHCO₃ (pH 9.5), 1.5 μl 10 mg/ml tRNA, and 20.0 μl dH₂O was incubated at 90° C. for 7.5 min, then chilled on ice or at 4° C. 30 μl of 90% formamide, 50 mM Na₂EDTA, 10 mM DTT, and XC&BB (xylene cyanol and bromophenol blue), of which 1 μl+4 μl formamide dye was used for the gel electrophoretic analysis.

4 Annealing of Radiolabeled 1 μM Stock siRNA Duplexes

30 μl 1 μM stock of different siRNA duplexes were prepared in which either the sense strand or the antisense strand was radiolabeled.

The samples were heated at 90° C. for 2 min and then incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour and then stored at −20° C. until used.

5. Quality Control of siRNA Duplex:

Samples of the siRNA duplex were analyzed by electrophoresis through 15% polyacrylamide in Tris-Borate, EDTA (TBE) Gel. Electrophoresis was performed at 150V for 1 hour prior to running the samples through. Samples were prepared by mixing 0.5-1 μl siRNA duplex or single stranded, 3-3.5 μl 0.5×TBE, 1 μl 5× native loading dye (total volume=5 μl).

6. Stability Reactions

2 μl siRNA duplex was added to 18 μl serum or tissue lysate or buffer control in PCR tube (0.2 ml). A zero time point sample was removed immediately following the addition of the siRNA duplex by removing 2 μl and adding it to 18 μl 90% formamide, 50 mM EDTA, 10 mM DTT and xylene cyanol and bromophenol blue (XC & BB). Other samples were removed after 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours and treated similarly. These samples were stored in a 96-well plate. In some experiments the time points were extended to 8, 24 and 48 hours. Time point samples for the buffer (phosphate buffered saline, PBS, 1× working PBS contains 0.14 M Sodium Chloride, 0.003 M Potassium Chloride, 0.002 M Potassium phosphate, 0.01 M Sodium phosphate) were taken at zero and the last time point of the experiment. Samples were analyzed by electrophoresis through 20% polyacrylamide gels (pre-run at 75 W for 1 hour) in 1×TBE (10×=890 mM Tris, 890 mM Boric acid, 20 mM EDTA, pH 8.0). The gel was transferred to a phosphorimager cassette, covered with an enhancer screen and scanned after overnight exposure.

Polyacrylamide gel analysis indicated that the ocular environment contains fewer nucleases than human serum. Testing the unmodified form of the VEGF siRNA AL-DP-4014 for stability in rat eye extract revealed only the presence of exonuclease activity. In human serum, experiments with AL-DP-4127 and -4140 (Tables 4 and 5) indicated that terminally modified phosphorothioate modifications protected against exonucleolytic degradation but not against endonucleolytic activity. These results were consistent with experiments performed in rat whole eye extracts. The terminally modified phosphorothioate derivatives AL-DP-4127 and -4140 were stabilized against exonuclease activity as compared to the unmodified AL-DP-4014 siRNA and the unmodified Candy siRNA (Reich et al. (supra)). However, the -4127 and -4140 siRNAs were still subject to endonucleolytic degradation.

Modifications to the lead compound AL-DP-4094 stabilized the siRNA against exonucleolytic and endonucleolytic degradation. The phosphorothioate-modified siRNA AL-DP-4198 was degraded to a similar extent as the unmodified 4094 compound, but the addition of O-methyl modifications, as in AL-DP-4180 and AL-DP-4220, stabilized the siRNAs in rat whole eye extracts.

Notably, the siRNAs were generally more stable in rat retina lysates than in the rat whole eye extracts described above. Neither the unmodified AL-DP-4094, nor the modified AL-DP-4198, -4180, or -4220 siRNAs were degraded in the retina lysates.

Example 7 Endonuclease-Sensitive Sites were Mapped on AL-DP-4094 siRNA

The stability of the AL-DP-4094 siRNA was examined by the Stains-All and radiolabeled techniques following incubation in human serum (see above). These assays revealed susceptibility to exo- and endonucleases. RP-HPLC was used to examine the fragment profile of the siRNA following incubation in serum FIG. 11.

Following incubation of the -4094 siRNA in human serum, the fragments were phenol-chloroform extracted and precipitated, and then subjected to LC/MS analysis. FIG. 12 describes the identified fragments and associated characteristics.

Example 8 Detailed Study of Modifications to siRNAs Targeting VEGF (Table 6)

Eight major different patterns of chemical modification of siRNA duplexes that target the VEGF mRNA were synthesized and evaluated (Table 6). The ribose sugar modifications used were either 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) or 2′-fluoro (2′F). Both pyrimidines (Py) and purines (Pu) could be modified as provided in Table 6.

The first four patterns (A-D) incorporated 2′OMe on both strands at every other position. Four configurations were synthesized: 1) at each even position on the sense strand and at each odd position of the antisense strand, 2) at each odd position on the sense strand and at each even position of the antisense strand, 3) at even positions on both strands, and 4) at odd positions on both strands.

The fifth pattern (E) incorporated the 2′OMe modification at all pyrimidine nucleotides on both the sense and antisense strands of the duplex.

Pattern F included duplexes with 2′OMe modifications only on pyrimidines in 5′-PyPu-3′ dinucleotides, especially at only at UA, CA, UG sites (both strands).

Pattern G duplexes had the 2′F modification on pyrimidines of the antisense strand and 2′OMe modifications on pyrimidines in the sense strand.

Pattern (H) had antisense strands with 2′F-modified pyrimidines in 5′-PyPu-3′ dinucleotides, only at UA, CA, UG sites (both strands) and sense strands with 2′OMe modifications only on pyrimidines in 5′-PyPu-3′ dinucleotides, only at UA, CA, UG sites (both strands).

A-D: Full Alternating 2′-OMe (both strands)

-   -   Four configurations: Even/Odd; Odd/Even; Even/Even; Odd/Odd

E: 2′-OMe Py (both strands)

F: 2′-OMe Py only at UA, CA, UG sites (both strands)

G: 2′-OMe All Py (sense)

-   -   2′-F All Py (anti-sense)

H: 2′-OMe Py only at UA, CA, UG sites (sense)

-   -   2′-F Py only at UA, CA, UG sites (anti-sense)

17 different parent VEGF duplexes from Table 2 tested

1. Evaluation of Serum Stability of siRNA Duplexes

2 μM siRNA duplexes (final concentration) were incubated in 90% pooled human serum at 37° C. Samples were quenched on dry ice after 30 minutes, 4 hours, and 24 hours. For each siRNA sequence, a sample at the same concentration was incubated in the absence of serum (in PBS) at 37° C. for 24 hours. After all samples were quenched, RNA was extracted using phenol:chloroform and concentrated by ethanol precipitation. Samples were air dried and resuspended in a denaturing loading buffer. One third of each time point was analyzed on a 20% acrylamide (19:1), 7 M urea, 1×TBE gel run at 60° C. RNA was visualized by staining with stains-all solution. A qualitative assessment of the stability of each modified siRNA was made by comparison to the parent unmodified siRNA for each duplex set. PBS controls served as markers for the quality of the input siRNA.

2. Stability of VEGF Modular Chemistries

Four modular chemistries were screened 1) all pyrimidines substituted with 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) in both sense and antisense strands, 2) pyrimidines in UA, UG, CA pairs substituted with 2′OMe in both sense and antisense strands, 3) all pyrimidines substituted with 2′OMe in the sense strand and 2′-fluoro (2′F) in the antisense strand, 4) pyrimidines in UA, UG, CA pairs substituted with 2′OMe in the sense strand and 2′F in the antisense strand. In total, 85 siRNAs were screened including the unmodified parent duplexes plus the four modular chemistries.

Of the 85 siRNAs screened, 35 were stable for at least 24 hours as assessed by visual comparison with the parent unmodified duplexes. These 35 duplexes had 2′OMe pyrimidines in both strands or 2′OMe pyrimidines in the sense strand and 2′F in the antisense strand (chemistries 1 and 3 above). Of the duplexes with fewer modified residues, only five had at least ˜50% full length material remaining at the 4 hour time point as compared to their unmodified parent.

Substitution of all pyrimidines with either 2′OMe or 2′F protects siRNAs from serum nuclease degradation for ˜24 hr in 90% human serum at 37° C. The protected duplexes had roughly 85%-100% full length material remaining at 24 hours as compared to duplex incubated in the absence of serum. Minimal modification of pyrimidines in UA, UG, and CA dinucleotide pairs only stabilized several siRNAs relative to their unmodified parent but did not stabilize sufficiently for long-term nuclease resistance. Some potential RNase A sites were not protected by methylation (YpN, e.g. UC, UU) and this is likely the reason for the lower resistance to serum endonucleases.

3. Analysis of Duplex Activity

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 6 and FIGS. 13-29 provides summary and graphs of duplex activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Synthesis of the iRNA Agents

RNA Synthesis Using “Fast” Deprotection Monomers

1. RNA Synthesis

Oligoribonucleotides were synthesized using phosphoramidite technology on solid phase employing an AKTA 10 synthesizer (Amersham Biosciences) at scales ranging from 35 to 60 mmol. Synthesis was performed on solid supports made of controlled pore glass (CPG, 520 {acute over (Å)}, with a loading of 70 μmol/g) or polystyrene (with a loading of 71 μmol/g). All amidites were dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (70 mM) and molecular sieves (3 {acute over (Å)}) were added. 5-Ethyl thiotetrazole (ETT, 600 mM in acetonitrile) was used as the activator solution. Coupling times were 8 minutes. Oxidation was carried out either with a mixture of iodine/water/pyridine (50 mM/10%/90% (v/v)) or by employing a 100 mM solution of 3-ethoxy-1,2,4-dithiazoline-5-one (EDITH) in anhydrous acetonitrile in order to introduce phosphorothioate linkages. Standard capping reagents were used. Cholesterol was conjugated to RNA via the either the 5′ or the 3′-end of the sense strand by starting from a CPG modified with cholesterol (described below) using a hydroxyprolinol linker. The DMT protecting group was removed from cholesterol-conjugated RNA, but the DMT was left on unconjugated RNA to facilitate purification.

2. Cleavage and Deprotection of Support Bound Oligonucleotide.

After solid-phase synthesis, the RNA was cleaved from the support by passing 14 mL of a 3:1 (v/v) mixture of 40% methylamine in water and methylamine in ethanol through the synthesis column over a 30 min time period. For the cholesterol-conjugated RNA, the ratio of methylamine in water to methylamine in ethanol was 1:13. The eluent was divided into four 15 mL screw cap vials and heated to 65° C. for additional 30 min. This solution was subsequently dried down under reduced pressure in a speedvac. The residue in each vial was dissolved in 250 μL N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one (NMP), and 120 μL triethylamine (TEA) and 160 μL TEA.3HF were added. This mixture was brought to 65° C. for 2 h. After cooling to ambient temperature, 1.5 mL NMP and 1 mL of ethoxytrimethylsilane were added. After 10 min, the oligoribonucleotide was precipitated by adding 3 mL of ether. The pellets were collected by centrifugation, the supernatants were discarded, and the solids were reconstituted in 1 mL buffer 10 mM sodium phosphate.

3. Purification of Oligoribonucleotides

Crude oligonucleotides were purified by reversed phase HPLC on an AKTA Explorer system (Amersham Biosciences) using a 16/10 HR column (Amersham Biosciences) packed to a bed height of 10 cm with Source RPC 15. Buffer A was 10 mM sodium phosphate and buffer B contained 65% acetonitrile in buffer A. A flow rate of 6.5 mL/min was employed. UV traces at 260, 280, and 290 nm were recorded. For DMT-on oligoribonucleotides a gradient of 7% B to 45% B within 10 column volumes (CV) was used and for cholesterol-conjugated RNA a gradient of 5% B to 100% B within 14 CV was employed. Appropriate fractions were pooled and concentrated under reduced pressure to roughly 10 mL. DMT-on oligonucleotides were treated with one-third volume 1M NaOAc, pH 4.25 for several hours at ambient temp.

Finally, the purified oligonucleotides were desalted by size exclusion chromatography on a column containing Sephadex G-25. The oligonucleotide solutions were concentrated to a volume <15 mL. The concentrations of the solutions were determined by measurement of the absorbance at 260 nm in a UV spectrophotometer. Until annealing the individual strands were stored as frozen solutions at −20° C.

4. Analysis of Oligoribonucleotides

Cholesterol conjugated RNA was analyzed by CGE and LC/MS. Unconjugated RNA was also analyzed by IEX-HPLC. CGE analysis was performed on a BeckmanCoulter PACE MDQ CE instrument, equipped with a fixed wavelength detector at 254 nm. An eCap DNA capillary (BeckmanCoulter) with an effective length of 20 cm was used. All single stranded RNA samples were analyzed under denaturing conditions containing 6 M urea (eCap ssDNA100 Gel Buffer Kit, BeckmanCoulter) at 40° C. Samples were injected electrokinetically with 10 kV for 5-8 sec. The run voltage was 15 kV.

IEX HPLC analysis was performed on a Dionex BioLC system equipped with a fixed wavelength detector (260 and 280 nm), column oven, autosampler, and internal degasser. A Dionex DNAPac P100 column (4*250 mm) was used as at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and 30° C. Unconjugated RNA (20 μL, 1 OD/mL concentration) was injected. Eluent A contained 20 mM Na₂HPO₄, 10 mM NaBr, 10% acetonitrile, pH 11 and Eluent B was 1 M NaBr in Eluent A. The elution started with 20% B for 1 min and then a linear gradient with a target concentration of 80% B over 20 min was employed.

LC-MS analysis was performed on an Ettan μLC-system (Amersham Bioscience) equipped with a Jetstream column heater and a fixed wavelength detector (254 nm). A ThermoFinnigan LCQ DecaXP ESI-MS system with micro-spray source and ion trap detector was coupled online to the HPLC. Oligonucleotide samples (25 μL sample, 1 OD/mL concentration in water for unconjugated RNA and 40 μL for cholesterol-conjugated RNA) were injected onto a Waters Xterra C8 MS column (2.1×50 mm; 2.5 μm particle size) with a flow rate of 200 μL/min at 60° C. Composition of eluent A was 400 mM hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), 16.3 mM TEA in H₂O, pH 7.9 and eluent B was methanol. For unconjugated RNA elution started with 7% B for 3 min and then a gradient from 7% B to 25% B in 13 min was used. For cholesterol-conjugated material the starting conditions were 35% B for 3 min and then the concentration of eluent B was increased to 75% B in 30 min. Analysis figures are provided in Table 6.

5. Annealing of Oligoribonucleotides

Complementary strands were annealed by combining equimolar RNA solutions. The mixture was lyophilized and reconstituted with an appropriate volume of annealing buffer (100 mM NaCl, 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8) to achieve the desired concentration. This solution was placed into a water bath at 95° C. and then cooled to ambient temp. within 3 h. Extent of duplex formation was monitored by native 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and bands were visualized by staining with the “stains all” reagent (Sigma).

RNA Synthesis Using “Standard” Deprotection Monomers Including Ribo and 2′-O-methyl Phosphoramidites.

A. RNA/2′OMe (Thioate Ends)

The chimeric RNA molecules with 2′-OMe nucleotides were synthesized on a 394 ABI machine using the standard cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps. The solid support was CPG (500 A). The monomers were either RNA phosphoramidites or 2′ OMe RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups and used at concentrations of 0.15 M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) unless otherwise stated. Specifically the RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite; the 2′OMe RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-methyl-adenosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl) phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-methyl-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-methyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-methyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. The coupling times were 10 min for all monomers. Details of the other reagents are as follows: Activator: 5-(ethylthio)-1H-tetrazole (0.25M); Cap A: 5% acetic anhydride/THF/pyridine; Cap B: 10% N-methylimidazole/THF. Phosphate oxidation involved THBP (10% in ACN) for 10 min while phosphorothioate oxidation utilized 0.05 M EDITH reagent/acetonitrile. Detritylation was achieved with 3% TCA/dichloromethane. The DMT protecting group was removed after the last step of the cycle.

After completion of synthesis the controlled pore glass (CPG) was transferred to a screw cap, sterile microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved and simultaneously the base and phosphate groups deprotected with 1.0 mL of a mixture of ethanolic methylamine:ammonia (8 M methylamine in ethanol/30% aq ammonia) (1:1) for 5 hours at 55° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the solution was transferred to a 5 mL centrifuge tube; this was followed by washing three times with 0.25 mL of 50% acetonitrile. The tubes were cooled at −80° C. for 15 min, before drying in a lyophilizer.

The white residue obtained was resuspended in 200 uL of NMP/Et₃N/Et₃N—HF and heated at 65° C. for 1.5 h to remove the TBDMS groups at the 2′-position. The oligonucleotides were then precipitated in dry diethyl ether (400 uL) containing Et₃N (1%). The liquid was removed carefully to yield a pellet at the bottom of the tube. Residual ether was removed in the speed vacuum to give the “crude” RNA as a white fluffy material. Samples were dissolved in 1 mL RNase free water and quantitated by measuring absorbance at 260 nm. This crude material was stored at −20° C.

The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by HPLC. The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by Reverse Phase IonPair (RP IP) HPLC. The RP HPLC analysis was performed on a Gilson LC system, equipped with a fixed wavelength detector (260 and 280 nm), column oven, autosampler and internal degasser. An XTerra C18 column (4.6*250 mm) was used at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 65° C. RNA (20 μL for analytical run, 1 mL for a preparative run at 1 OD/mL concentration) was injected. Eluent A contained 0.1 M TEAAc, HPLC water, pH 7.0 and Eluent B was 0.1 M TEAAc in HPLC water, 70% acetonitrile, pH 7.0. The elution started with 10% B for 2 min, followed by 25% B in 4 min and then a linear gradient with a target concentration of 50% B over another 30 min was employed. The purified dry oligonucleotides were then desalted using Sephadex G25M.

B. Synthesis of Oligonucleotides with 2′-Fluoro Modifications

The RNA molecules were synthesized on a 394 ABI machine using the standard cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps. The solid support was CPG (500 A, TsT AG 001 from AM Chemicals LLC and the rC and rU were from Prime Synthesis). The monomers were either RNA phosphoramidites or 2′ F phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups and used at concentrations of 0.15 M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) unless otherwise stated. Specifically the RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl) phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite; the 2′F RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. The coupling times were 10 min for all monomers. Details of the other reagents are as follows: Activator: 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.25 M); Cap A: 5% acetic anhydride/THF/pyridine; Cap B: 10% N-methylimidazole/THF; phosphate oxidation involved THBP (10% in ACN) for 10 min while phosphorothioate oxidation utilized 0.05 M EDITH reagent/acetonitrile. Detritylation was achieved with 3% TCA/dichloromethane. The DMT protecting group was removed after the last step of the cycle.

After completion of synthesis, CPG was transferred to a screw cap, sterile microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved and the base and phosphate groups were simultaneously deprotected with 1.0 mL of a mixture of ethanolic ammonia (1:3) for 7 hours at 55° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the solution was transferred to a 5 mL centrifuge tube; this was followed by washing three times with 0.25 mL of 50% acetonitrile. The tubes were cooled at −80° C. for 15 min, before drying in a lyophilizer.

The white residue obtained was resuspended in 200 uL of NMP/Et₃N/Et₃N—HF and heated at 50° C. for 16 h to remove the TBDMS groups at the 2′ position. The oligonucleotides were then precipitated in dry diethyl ether (400 uL) containing Et₃N (1%). The liquid was removed carefully to yield a pellet at the bottom of the tube. Residual ether was removed in the speed vacuum to give the “crude” RNA as a white fluffy material. Samples were dissolved in 1 mL RNase free water and quantitated by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm. This crude material was stored at −20° C.

The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by HPLC. The purified dry oligonucleotides were then desalted using Sephadex G25M.

C. Synthesis of Phosphorothioate RNA Oligoribonucleotides

The oligonucleotides were synthesized on a 394 ABI machine (ALN 0208) using the standard 93 step cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few steps as described below. The solid support was controlled pore glass (CPG, 2 μmole rA CPG, 520 A, or rU CPG, 500 A). The monomers were RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups used at concentrations of 0.15 M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) unless otherwise stated. Specifically the RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl) phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. The coupling times were 10 min. Details of the other reagents are as follows: activator: 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.25M); Cap A: 5% acetic anhydride/THF/pyridine; Cap B:10% N-methylimidazole/THF; PS-oxidation, 0.05M EDITH reagent/acetonitrile. Detritylation was achieved with 3% TCA/dichloromethane.

After completion of synthesis the CPG was transferred to a screw cap sterile microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved and simultaneously the base and phosphate groups deprotected with 1.0 mL of a mixture of ethanolic methylamine:ammonia (1:1) for 5 hours at 55° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the solution was transferred to a 5 mL centrifuge tube; this was followed by washing with 3×0.25 mL of 50% acetonitrile. The tubes were cooled at −80° C. for 15 min, before drying in a lyophilizer.

The white residue obtained was resuspended in 200 μL of TEA.3HF and heated at 65° C. for 1.5 h to remove the TBDMS groups at the 2′-position. The oligonucleotides were then precipitated by addition of 400 μL dry MeOH. The liquid was removed after spinning in a microcentrifuge for 5 minutes on the highest speed available. Residual methanol was removed in speed vacuum. Samples were dissolved in 1 mL RNase free water and quantitated by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm. The crude material was stored at −20° C. The oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by HPLC and then desalted using Sephadex G25M.

Example 9 Synthesis of Oligonucleotides with Alternating 2′-F RNA and 2′O-Me RNA (Table 7)

A. Synthesis of CPGs for 2′F

CPGs of 5′-O-DMTr-2′-deoxy-2′-fluororibonucleosides with appropriate base protection were synthesized as shown in Scheme A. 5′-O-DMTr-2′-Deoxy-2′-fluoro-N^(Bz)-A and 5′-O-DMTr-2′-Deoxy-2′-fluoro-N^(iBu)-G were synthesized as reported (Kawasaki et al., J. Med. Chem., 1993, 36, 831). Reaction of compounds 1001 with succinic anhydride in the presence of DMAP in ethylenedichloride yielded compound 1005. Compound 1005 was treated with 2,2′-dithiobis(5-nitropyridine) (DTNP) and triphenylphosphine in the presence of DMAP in acetonitrile-ethylenedichloride and subsequently with lcaa CPG as reported by Kumar et al. (Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1996, 15, 879) yielded the desired CPG 1009. Loading of the CPG was determined as reported in the literature (Prakash et al., J. Org. Chem., 2002, 67, 357). CPGs of suitably protected 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro A, C and G were obtained as described above (Scheme A).

The chimeric RNA molecules with alternating 2′-F RNA and 2′O-Me RNA were synthesized on a 394 ABI machine using the standard cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps. The solid support were CPG (500 A). The monomers were either 2′-F RNA phosphoramidites or 2′ OMe RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups and used at concentrations of 0.15 M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) unless otherwise stated. Specifically the 2′OMe RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-methyl-adenosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-methyl-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-methyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-methyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. The 2′F RNA phosphoramidites 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-fluoro-N²-isobutyryl-2′-deoxy-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-fluoro-N²-isobutyryl-2′-deoxy-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. The coupling times were 10 min for all monomers. Details of the other reagents are as follows: Activator: 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.25M); Cap A: 5% acetic anhydride/THF/pyridine; Cap B: 10% N-methylimidazole/THF; phosphate oxidation involved 0.02M I₂/THF/H₂O, while PS-oxidation was carried out using EDITH reagent as described above. Detritylation was achieved with 3% TCA/dichloromethane. The final DMT protecting group was removed in the synthesizer.

After completion of synthesis the CPG was transferred to a screw cap, sterile microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved and the base and phosphate groups were simultaneously deprotected with 1.0 mL of a mixture of ethanolic:ammonia (1:3) for 7 hours at 55° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the solution was transferred to a 5 mL centrifuge tube; this was followed by washing three times with 0.25 mL of 50% acetonitrile. The tubes were cooled at −80° C. for 15 min before drying in a lyophilizer to give the “crude” RNA as a white fluffy material. Samples were dissolved in 1 mL RNase free water and quantitated by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm. This crude material was stored at −20° C.

The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by 20% polyacrylimide denaturing gels. The purified dry oligonucleotides were then desalted using Sephadex G25M (Amersham Biosciences).

B. Analysis of Duplex Activity

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 7 and FIG. 30 provides graphs of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 10 Conjugated VEGF Molecules (Tables 8, 9, 10 and 18)

1. Synthesis:

The RNA molecules were synthesized on an ABI-394 machine (Applied Biosystems) using the standard 93 step cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps as described below. The solid support was controlled pore glass (CPG, 1 umole, 500 A) and the monomers were RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups (5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N6-benzoyl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N4-acetyl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N2-isobutryl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, and 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite. All amidites were used at a concentration of 0.15M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) and a coupling time of 6 min for unmodified and 2′-O-Me modified monomers and 12 min for modified and conjugated monomers. 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.25M) was used as an activator. For the PO-oxidation Iodine/Water/Pyridine and for PS-oxidation Beaucage reagent (2%) in anhy. acetonitrile was used. The sulfurization time was about 6 min. All syntheses was performed on a 1 umole scale.

Wait or Concen- Coupling Reagents tration step Activator: 0.25M 5-Ethylthio-1H-tetrazole 720 sec  PO-oxidation 0.02M Iodine in THF/Water/Pyridine 20 sec PO-oxidation 0.02M t-Butyl-hydrogen peroxide 600 sec  PS-oxidation 2% Beaucage reagent/anhy. 360 Sec (200 Acetonitrile sec, wait + 30 sec pulse + 130 sec wait Cap A 5% 5% Phenoxyacetic 20 sec anhydride/THF/pyridine Cap B 10%  10% N-methylimidazole/THF 20 sec Detritylation 3% TCA Trichloro Acetic Acid/ 70 sec dichloromethane

The following types of modifications were used to perform the synthesis using these protocols:

1. Unmodified phosphodiester backbone (PO) only

2. Phosphorothioate (PS) only

3. 2′-O-Me, PS

4. 3′-Naproxen, 2′F-5Me-U, PS

5. 5′-Cholesterol, PS

6. 3′-Choletserol, PS

7. 2′F-5Me-U, PS

8. 3′-Biotin, 2′F-5Me-U, PS

9. 3′-cholanic acid, 2′F-5Me-U, PS

10. Methylphosphonate

11. C-5 allyamino rU

2. Deprotection-I (Nucleobase Deprotection)

After completion of the synthesis, the controlled pore glass (CPG) was transferred to a screw cap vial or screw cap RNase free microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved from the support and the base and phosphate protecting groups were simultaneously removed by using of a mixture of ethanolic ammonia (ammonia (28-30%: ethanol (3:1))−(1.0 mL) for 15 h at 55° C. The vial was cooled briefly on ice and then the ethanolic ammonia mixture was transferred to a new microfuge tube. The CPG was washed with portions of deionized water (2×0.1 mL). The supernatant was combined, cooled in dry ice for 10 min and then dried in a speed vac.

3. Deprotection-II (Removal of 2′-O— TBDMS Group)

The white residue obtained was resuspended in a mixture of triethylamine, triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TEA.3HF ca. 24% HF)) and 1-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone (NMP) (4:3:7) (400 ul) and heated at 65° C. for 90 min to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′-position. The reaction was then quenched with isopropoxytrimethylsilane (iPrOMe₃Si, 400 ul) and further incubated on the heating block leaving the caps open for 10 min; This causes the volatile isopropoxytrimethylsilylfluoride adduct to vaporize. The residual quenching reagent was removed by drying in a speed vac. 3% Triethylamine in diethyl ether (1.5 ml) was added. The mixture was subjected to centrifugation. A pellet of RNA formed. The supernatant was pipetted out without disturbing the pellet. The pellet was dried in a speed vac. The crude RNA was obtained as a white fluffy material in the microfuge tube.

4. Quantitation of Crude Oligomer or Raw Analysis

Samples were dissolved in deionized water (1.0 mL) and quantitated as follows: Blanking was first performed with water alone (1 mL). A sample of the RNA solution (20 ul) was diluted with water (980 uL) and mixed well in a microfuge tube, then transferred to a cuvette and the absorbance reading was obtained at 260 nm. The crude material was dried down and stored at −20° C.

5. MS Analysis:

The crude samples (0.1 OD) analyzed using LC-MS.

6. Purification of Oligomers

(a) Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) Purification

The oligonucleotides were purified by vertical slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using an Owl's Separation Systems (Portsmouth, N.H.). Electrophoresis grade acrylamide (40%), N,N′-methylene-bis(acrylamide) (BIS), ammonium persulfate (APS, N,N,N′N′-tetramethylenediamine (TEMED), bromophenol blue (BPB), xylene cyanol (XC) 10×TBE (0.89 M tris-hydroxy-methylaminomethane, borate pH 8.3, 20 mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate) were from National Diagnostics (Atlanta, Ga.). The 12% denaturing gel was prepared for purification of unmodified and modified oligoribonucleotides. The thickness of the preparative gels was 1.5 mm. Loading buffer was 80% formamide in 10×TBE. After removal of the glass plates, the gels were covered with Saran Wrap® and placed over a fluorescent TLC plate illuminated by a hand-held UV lamp for visualization. The desired bands were excised and shaken overnight in 2 mL of water or 0.03 M Sodium Acetate. The eluent was removed by drying in a speed vac.

(b) High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Purification:

Condition A: Purification of unmodified, 2′-O-Me/PS Oligoribonucleotides:

Amount of injected sample is about ˜100 OD.

Column: Dionex PA-100 Semiprep.

Buffer A: Water

Buffer B: 0.25 M Tris.Cl pH 8.0

Buffer C: 0.375 M Sod.Perchlorate

Heating: 65° C.

Time Flow Buffer A Buffer B Buffer C Total Yield Purity 0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0% 40-60% 85-98% 3.0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0% 30.0 5.00 57.0 10% 33.0 35.0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0% 40.0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0%

Condition B: Protocols for Purification of 2′-O-Me/PS Oligoribonucleotides:

Column: Dionex PA-100 Semiprep.

Buffer A: Water

Buffer B 0.25 M Tris.Cl pH 8.0

Buffer C 0.8 M Sod.Perchlorate

Heating: 65° C.

Total Time Flow Buffer A Buffer B Buffer C Yield Purity 0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0% ~40-60% 85-98% 3.0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0% 30.0 5.00 57.0 10% 33.0 35.0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0% 40.0 5.00 88% 10% 2.0%

7. Desalting of Purified Oligomer

The purified dry oligomer was then desalted using Sephadex G-25 M. The cartridge was conditioned with 10 mL of deionised water thrice. Finally the purified oligomer dissolved thoroughly in 2.5 mL RNAse free water was applied to the cartridge with a very slow drop-wise elution. The salt free oligomer was eluted with 3.5 ml deionized water directly into a screw cap vial. The purified RNA material was dried down in speed vac and stored at −20° C.

Biotin Conjugated siRNAs (Table 10)

1. Synthesis:

The RNA molecules were synthesized on an ABI-394 machine (Applied Biosystems) using the standard 93 step cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps as described below. The solid support was controlled pore glass (CPG, 1 umole, 500 A) and the monomers were RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups (5′-O-dimethoxytrityl N6-Benzoyl-2′O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N4-acetyl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N2-isobutryl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, and 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite. The modified CPG and amidites were synthesized using known methods and as described herein. All amidites were used at a concentration of 0.15M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) and a coupling time of 6 min for unmodified and 2′-O-Me monomers and 12 min for modified and conjugated monomers. 5-Ethylthio-1H-tetrazole (0.25M) was used as an activator. For the PO-oxidation Iodine/Water/Pyridine and for PS-oxidation Beaucage reagent (2%) in anhy. acetonitrile was used. The sulfurization time is about 6 min. For synthesis of 3′-biotin conjugated siRNAs, t-butyl-hydrogen peroxide was used as oxidizing agent (oxidation time 10 min).

Wait or Concen- Coupling Reagent tration step Activator: 0.25M 5-Ethylthio-tetrazole 300 sec for unmodified and 720 sec for modified oligos. PO-oxidation 0.02M Iodine in THF/water/pyridine 20 sec PO-oxidation 0.02M t-Butyl-hydrogen peroxide 600 sec  PS-oxidation 2% Beaucage reagent/anhy. 360 Sec (200 Acetonitrile sec, wait + 30 sec pulse + 130 sec wait Cap A 5% 5% Phenoxyacetic 20 sec anhydride/THF/pyridine Cap B 10%  10% N- 20 sec Methylimidazole/THF Detritylation 3% TCA Trichloro Acetic 70 sec Acid/dichloromethane

2. Deprotection-I (Nucleobase Deprotection)

After completion of synthesis the controlled pore glass (CPG) was transferred to a screw cap vial or a screw cap RNase free microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved from the support with the simultaneous removal of base and phosphate protecting groups with a mixture of ethanolic ammonia [ammonia (28-30%): ethanol (3:1) 1.0 mL] for 15 h at 55° C. The vial was cooled briefly on ice and then the ethanolic ammonia mixture was transferred to a new microfuge tube. The CPG was washed with portions of deionized water (2×0.1 mL). The combined filtrate was then put in dry ice for 10 min dried in a speed vac.

3. Deprotection-II (Removal of 2′-O— TBDMS Group)

The white residue obtained was resuspended in a mixture of triethylamine, triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TEA.3HF ca, 24% HF) and 1-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone (NMP) (4:3:7) (400 ul) and heated at 65° C. for 90 min to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′-position. The reaction was then quenched with isopropoxytrimethylsilane (iPrOMe₃Si, 400 ul) and further incubated on the heating block leaving the caps open for 10 min; (This causes the volatile isopropoxytrimethylsilylfluoride adduct to vaporize). The residual quenching reagent was removed by drying in a speed vac. 3% Triethylamine in diethyl ether (1.5 ml) was added and the mixture was subjected to centrifugation to afford a pellet of RNA. The supernatant was pipetted out without disturbing the pellet. The pellet was dried in a speed vac. The crude RNA was obtained as a white fluffy material in the microfuge tube.

4. Quantitation of Crude Oligomer or Raw Analysis

Samples were dissolved in deionized water (1.0 mL) and quantitated as follows: Blanking was first performed with water alone (1 mL). A sample of the RNA solution (20 ul) was diluted with water (980 uL) and mixed well in a microfuge tube, then transferred to a cuvette and the absorbance reading was obtained at 260 nm. The crude material was dried down and stored at −20° C.

5. MS analysis:

Samples of the RNA (0.1 OD) were analyzed using MS.

6. Purification of Oligomers

Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) Purification

The oligonucleotides were purified by vertical slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using an Owl's Separation Systems (Portsmouth, N.H.). Electrophoresis grade acrylamide (40%), N,N′-methylene-bis(acrylamide) (BIS), ammonium persulfate (APS, N,N,N′N′-tetramethylenediamine (TEMED), bromophenol blue (BPB), xylene cyanol (XC) 10×TBE (0.89 M). Trishydroxy-methylaminomethane, borate (pH 8.3), 20 mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate) were from National Diagnostics (Atlanta, Ga.). The 12% Denaturing gel was prepared for purification of oligoribonucleotides. The thickness of the preparative gel was 1.5 mm. Loading buffer was 80% formamide in 10×TBE. After removal of the PAGE glass plates, the gels were covered with Saran Wrap® and placed over a fluorescent TLC plate illuminated by a hand-held UV lamp (Upland, Calif.) for visualization. The desired bands were excised and shaken overnight in water (2 mL) or 0.03 M sodium acetate. The eluent was removed and dried in a speed vac. All biotin conjugated sequences were purified by PAGE.

7. Desalting of Purified Oligomer

The purified dry oligomer was then desalted using Sephadex G-25 M (Amersham Biosciences). The cartridge was conditioned with of deionized water thrice (10 mL each). Finally the purified oligomer dissolved thoroughly in 2.5 mL RNAse free water was applied to the cartridge with very slow drop-wise elution. The salt free oligomer was eluted with deionized water (3.5 ml) directly into a screw cap vial. The purified RNA material was dried down on speed vac and stored at −20° C.

8. Quality Control

(a) Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE)

(b) Electrospray LC/Ms

A sample of the oligomer (approx. 0.10 OD) was dissolved in water (50 ul & 100 ml in separate tubes) and then pipetted into special vials for CGE and LC/MS analysis.

9. Analysis of Duplex Activity

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Tables 8, 9, 10 and 18 and FIGS. 31-35 provides data and graphs of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 11 Conjugation of Retinoids to RNA (Table 11)

Conjugation of All-Trans-Retinal to Oligonucleotides (RNA):

Phosphoramidite 104 was synthesized as shown in Scheme B for retinal conjugation to oligonucleotides.

Step 1: Compound 102:

Monobenzylpentan-1,5-diol (15.70 g, 80.82 mmol), Ph₃P (25.43 g, 96.84 mmol) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (116.0 g, 98.08 mmol) were taken in anhydrous CH₃CN (100 ml) under argon atm. Neat DIAD (20.0 mL, 103.25 mmol) was added dropwise into the stirring solution over a period of 20 minutes and the stirring was continued for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. Solvents were removed in vacuo; and the residue was triturated with diethyl ether and filtered. Residue was washed with ether, filtered and combined the filtrate. Hexane was added dropwise into the filtrate until it gave turbidity and subsequently the solution was made homogeneous by adding ether into it. The homogeneous solution was stored at 5° C. for 24 h. Precipitated Ph₃PO was filtered off, washed with ether-hexane mixture (1:1). Combined filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by flash silica gel column chromatography (10-15% EtOAc in Hexane) to obtain 24.5 g (89.3%) of compound 102 as a viscous pale yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): 7.84-7.82 (m, 2H); 7.75-7.73 (m, 2H); 7.34-7.33 (m, 4H); 7.29-7.26 (m, 1H); 4.51 (s, 2H); 4.22-4.18 (t, J(H,H)=6.71 Hz, 2H); 3.52-3.48 (t, J(H,H)=6.4 Hz, 2H); 2.04-1.78 (m, 2H); 1.73-1.56 (m, 4H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): 163.9, 138.8, 134.6, 129.2, 128.6, 127.8, 127.7, 123.7, 78.6, 73.1, 70.3, 29.6, 28.2, 22.5.

Step 2: Compound 103:

Compound 102 (23.5 g, 69.29 mmol) was taken in 100 ml of EtOAc/methanol (1:1). The mixture was degassed and purged with argon, to this 2.4 g of Pd—C (10%-wet Degusa type) was added. The mixture was then hydrogenated overnight, filtered through a celite bed over a sintered funnel. The residue was subsequently passed through a column of silica gel and eluted out using 40% EtOAc in hexane to obtain compound 103 (15.70 g, 90.9%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.) 7.83-7.81 (bm. 2H); 7.75-7.73 (bm, 2H); 4.23-4.19 (t, J(H,H)=6.4 Hz, 2H); 3.70-3.66 (t, J(H,H)=5.80 Hz, 2H); 1.83-1.79 (m, 2H); 1.67-1.60 (m, 4H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.) 163.9, 134.7, 129.1, 123.7, 78.6, 62.7, 32.4, 28.0, 22.0.

Step 3: Compound 104:

Compound 103 (5.4 g, 21.67 mmol) and triethylamine (4 ml, 28.69 mmol) were taken in anhydrous EtOAc (30 ml) under argon. 2-Cyanoethyl diisopropylchlorophosphoramidite (5.00 ml, 21.97 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture dropwise. A white precipitate of Et₃N.HCl was formed immediately after the addition of the reagent and the reaction was complete in 10 min (monitored by TLC). The precipitate was filtered through a sintered funnel and solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was directly loaded on a silica gel column for purification. Eluted with hexane/EtOAc 9:1 to afford compound 104 as a yellow oil, 8.68 g (89.13%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.) 7.85-7.81 (m, 2H); δ7.77-7.72 (m, 2H); 4.22-4.19 (t. J(H,H)=6.80 Hz, 2H); 3.91-3.76 (m, 2H); 3.72-3.53 (m, 4H) 2.67-2.63 (t, J(H,H)=6.71 Hz, 2H); 1.86-1.78 (m, 2H); 1.73-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.62-1.56 (m, 2H); 1.19-1.16 (m, 12H). ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.) δ 145.09. ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.) δ 163.9, 134.7, 129.2, 123.7, 117.9, 78.6, 64.0, 63.4, 58.7, 58.5, 43.2, 43.1, 31.1, 31.0, 28.1, 24.9, 24.8, 24.7, 22.3, 20.6, 20.5.

Step 4: Conjugation of All-Trans-Retinal to Oligonucleotide:

All-trans-retinal was conjugated to oligonucleotide as shown in the Scheme C. Compound 104 was coupled to solid bound oligonucleotide 105 under standard solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis conditions to obtain compound 106. Phthalimido protecting group on compound 106 was selectively removed by treating with hydrazinium hydrate as reported by Salo et al. (Bioconjugate Chem. 1999, 10, 815) to obtain compound 107. Treatment of compound 107 with all-trans-retinal under dark condition gave compound 108 as reported in the literature (Bioconjugate Chem. 1999, 10, 815). Standard RNA oligonucleotide deprotection and purification under dark yielded the desired oligonucleotide-retinal conjugate 109. Compound 109 was also obtained from compound 110 as shown in Scheme C. Complete deprotection and purification of compound 106 yielded an unbound free oligonucleotide 110 which was subsequently reacted with all-trans-retinal to afford the desired compound 109.

Step 4.1. Oligonucleotide Synthesis:

All oligonucleotides except AL-3166 were synthesized on an ABI 490 DNA synthesizer. Commercially available controlled pore glass solid supports (dT-CPG and U-CPG, 500 {acute over (Å)}) and RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N-6-benzoyl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N4-acetyl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N2-isobutryl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, and 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite were used for the oligonucleotide synthesis. All phosphoramidites were used at a concentration of 0.15M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN). Coupling time of 10 minutes was used. The activator was 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.25M), for the PO-oxidation Iodine/Water/Pyridine was used.

Sequence AL-3166 was synthesized on the AKTAoligopilot synthesizer. All phosphoramidites were used at a concentration of 0.2M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) except for guanosine which was used at 0.2M concentration in 10% THF/acetonitrile (v/v). Coupling/recycling time of 16 minutes was used. The activator was 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.75M), for the PO-oxidation Iodine/Water/Pyridine was used and for the PS-oxidation PADS (2%) in 2,6-lutidine/ACN (1:1 v/v) was used.

The aminooxy-linker phosphoramidite was synthesized as described above and used at a concentration of 0.15M in acetonitrile. Coupling time for the aminooxy-linker phosphoramidite was 15 minutes. For all sequences, coupling of the aminooxy-linker phosphoramidite was carried out on the ABI 390 DNA synthesizer.

Step 4.2. Cleavage of the Phthalimido-Protecting Group from the Aminoxy-Linker Oligonucleotides

After coupling of the aminooxy-linker, the CPG was treated with 2.5 ml of 0.5M hydrazinium acetate in pyridine (0.16/4/2 hydrazine anhydrous, pyridine, acetic acid) using the dual syringe method. Every 5 minutes the syringes were pushed back and forth to get new solution on the CPG. After the hydarzinium acetate treatment, the CPG was washed with 2×5 ml of pyridine followed by 3×5 ml of acetonitrile. Flushing with dry argon for 30 seconds then dried CPG.

Step 4.3. On Support Conjugation with the Aldehydes

The 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde and the all-trans-retinal were from Aldrich and used at concentrations of 0.5M in DMF. The 4-keto-retinol was used at a concentration of 0.13M in DMF. The CPG from above was added to the aldehyde solutions. Conjugation was carried out overnight (˜16 hrs) at room temperature. After the reaction was complete, the CPG was rinsed with DMF followed by acetonitrile and air dried for 10-15 minutes. For sequence AL-3213, the conjugation with both all-trans-retinal and 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde was also carried out in acetonitrile. In the case of 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde, the aldehyde did not fully dissolved at 0.5M and the solution was used as is without filtration to get rid of the undissolved aldehyde.

Step 4.4. Deprotection-I (Nucleobase Deprotection) of on Support Conjugated Oligonucleotides

For on support retinal conjugated oligonucleotides, the support was transferred to a 5 ml tube (VWR). The oligonucleotide was cleaved from the support with simultaneous deprotection of base and phosphate groups with 1 mL of 40% aq. methylamine 15 mins at 65° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the methylamine was filtered into a new 15 ml tube. The CPG was washed with 3×1 mL portions of DMSO.

Step 4.5. Deprotection-II (Removal of 2′ TBDMS group) of on Support Conjugated Oligonucleotides

To the above mixture was added 1.5 ml of triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TREAT-HF) and heated at 60° C. for 15 minutes to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′ position. The reaction was then quenched with 5.5 ml of 50 mM sodium acetate (pH 5.5) and stored in freezer until purification.

Step 4.6. After Deprotection Conjugation with Aldehydes

Conjugation with the aldehydes (1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde and all-trans-retinal) after deprotection of the aminooxy-linker oligonucleotides was also carried out as an alternative conjugation strategy.

Step 4.7. Deprotection-I (Nucleobase Deprotection) for After Deprotection Conjugation

The support was transferred to a 2 ml screw cap tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved from the support with simultaneous deprotection of base and phosphate groups with 0.5 mL of 40% aq. methylamine 15 mins at 65° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the methylamine was filtered into a new 15 ml tube. The CPG was washed with 2×0.5 mL portions of 50% acetonitrile/water. The mixture was then frozen on dry ice and dried under vacuum on a speed vac.

Step 4.8. Deprotection-II (Removal of 2′ TBDMS Group) for After Deprotection Conjugation

The dried residue was resuspended in 0.5 ml of triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TEA.3HF) and heated at 60° C. for 15 minutes to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′ position. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and RNA precipitated with 2 ml of dry methanol and dried under vacuum on a speed vac. The sample was then dissolved in 2 ml of water and kept frozen in freezer till further analysis.

Step 4.9. Quantitation of Crude Oligomer or Raw Analysis

For all samples, a 1 μl, a 10 μl or 30 μl aliquote was diluted with 999 μl, 990 μl or 970 μl of deionised nuclease free water (1.0 mL) and absorbance reading obtained at 260 nm.

Step 4.10. Purification of Conjugated Oligomers

(a) Crude LC/MS Analysis

The crude oligomers were first analyzed by LC/MS, to look at the presence and abundance of the expected final product.

(b) Reverse-Phase Purification

The conjugated samples were purified by reverse-phase HPLC on an RPC-Source15 column (21.5×1 cm). The buffer system was: A=20 mM sodium acetate in 10% ACN, pH 8.5 and B=20 mM sodium acetate in 70% ACN, pH 8.5, with a flow rate of 5.0 mL/min, and wavelengths 260 and 375. The fractions containing the full-length oligonucleotides were then individually desalted.

Step 4.11. Desalting of Purified Oligonucleotides

The purified oligonucleotide fractions were desalted using the PD-10 Sephadex G-25 columns. First the columns were equilibrated with 25-30 ml of water. The samples were then applied in a volume of 2.5 ml. The samples were then eluted in salt-free fraction of 3.5 ml. The desalted fractions were combined together and kept frozen till needed.

Step 4.12. Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE), Ion-Exchange HPLC (IEX) and Electrospray LC/Ms

Approximately 0.3 OD of desalted oligonucleotides were diluted in water to 300 μl and then pipetted in special vials for CGE, IEX and LC/MS analysis.

Step 5 Conjugation of All-Trans-Retinal to 3′-End of Oligonucleotides (RNA):

Phoshoramidite 116 for 5′-conjugation and CPG support 115 for 3′-conjugation of retinoids were synthesized as shown in the Scheme D. The CPG support 115 is used for 3′ conjugation of retinoids to oligonucleotides

Step 5.1: Compound 112:

Compound 111 (120.0 g, 30.01 mmol) was Stirred with TBDMS-Cl (5.43 g, 36.02 mmol) in the presence of imidazole (7.5 g, 110.16 mmol) in anhydrous pyridine (100 mL) overnight. After removing pyridine, the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (300 mL), washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, followed by standard workup. Residue obtained was subjected to flash silica gel column chromatography using 1% methanol in dichloromethane as eluent to afford compound 112 as a pale white solid (24.4 g, qunat. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 25° C.): 7.33-7.13 (bm, 15H, accounted for 14H after D₂O exchange); 6.87-6.82 (bm, 4H); 5.01 (s, 0.2H, rotamer minor); 4.99 (s, 1.8H, rotamer major), 4.68-4.64 (m, 0.72 H, major rotamer); 4.14-4.07 (bm, 1H), 3.72 (s, 7H), 3.38-3.36 (m, 0.6H, rotamer minor); 3.26-3.21 (m, 1.4H, rotamer major); 3.08-3.07 (m, 0.3H, rotamer, minor); 2.99-2.89 (m, 2.7H, rotamer, major); 2.22-2.12 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.78 (m, 2H); 1.48-1.23 (m, 6H), 0.84, 0.82 (s, 9H, rotamers major and minor); 0.05 (d, J(H,H)=1.5 Hz, 4.3H, rotamer major); 0.03-0.02 (d, J(H,H)=5.5 Hz, 1.7H).

Step 5.2: Compound 113:

Compound 112 (9.4 g, 14.54 mmol) was suspended in 15 mL of β-caprolactone and 10 mL of TEA was added into the suspension. The reaction mixture was stirred under argon at 55° C. bath temperature for 24 h. Completion of the reaction was monitored by TLC analysis. TEA was removed form the reaction mixture in vacuo and 150 mL of dichloromethane-hexane (2:1 mixture) was added into the residue. The homogeneous solution thus obtained was directly loaded on a column of silica gel and eluted with dichloromethane-hexane (2:1) followed by neat dichloromethane. Elution of the silica column with 4% methanol in dichloromethane afforded the desired compound 113 as a white solid (8.73 g, 78.9%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 25° C.) δ 7.72-7.68 (bm, 1H, exchangeable with D₂O); 7.33-7.16 (m, 9H); 6.88-6.84 (m, 4H); 4.68-4.62 (m, 0.8H); 4.57-4.52 (m, 0.2H); 4.34-4.31 (t, J(H,H)=5.18 Hz, 1H, exchangeable with D₂O); 4.14-4.08 (bm, 1H); 3.74-3.67 (m, 7H); 3.39-3.32 (m, 3.3H); 3.25-3.21 (m, 1.7H); 3.09-2.88 (m, 4H)

6. Analysis of Duplex Activity

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 11 and FIG. 36 provide data and a graph of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 12 Conjugation of Polyethylene Glycol to siRNA (Table 12)

Amino Linker Oligonucleotides for PEG Conjugation

General.

Ion exchange preparative chromatography was performed on TSKgel-SuperQ-5PW (Tosoh). Ion exchange analytical chromatography was performed on a DNAPac Pa100 (Dionex). Electron spray ionization mass spectra were recorded with an Agilent 1100 MSD-SL.

HPLC Techniques.

The RNA was analyzed by ion-exchange chromatography (column, DNAPac Pa100, 4×250 mm, analytical), heated to 30° C., flow rate 1.5 mL min⁻¹, buffer A=0.020M Na₂HPO₄ in 10% CH₃CN, pH 11; buffer B=buffer A+1 M NaBr in 10% CH₃CN, pH 11, linear gradient from 0 to 75% in 53 min. The LC/ESI-MS conditions were as follows: column XTerra C8 (2.1×30 mm, 2.5 μm), linear gradient from 5 to 35% in 2 min and from 35 to 70% in 30.5 min, flow rate 0.200 mL min⁻¹, buffer A=400 mM HFIP/16.3 mM TEA in H₂O, buffer B=100% methanol. The RNA was purified by ion-exchange chromatography (5 cm in-house packed column, TSKgel-SuperQ-5PW, 20 μm), heated to 75° C., flow rate 50 mL min⁻¹, buffer A=0.020M Na₂HPO₄ in 10% CH₃CN, pH 8.5; buffer B=buffer A+1 M NaBr in 10% CH₃CN, pH 8.5, linear gradient from 20 to 55% in 120 min.

RNA Synthesis.

The protected RNA was assembled on an AKTA Oligo Pilot 100 on a 100-150 μmol scale using custom in-house support and phosphoramidite chemistry. Phosphoramidites were used as 0.2 mol L⁻¹ solutions in dry CH₃CN, with a 900s coupling time and the manufacturer's recommended synthesis protocols were used. After synthesis, the support-bound RNA was treated with aqueous CH₃NH₂ (40%) for 90 minutes at 45° C., cooled, filtered and washed with DMSO (3×40 mL). The filtrate was then treated with TEA.3HF (60 mL) for 60 minutes at 40° C., and quenched with aq. NaOAc (0.05M, pH 5.5, 200 mL). The synthesis was followed by analytical ion-exchange HPLC, preparative HPLC, then desalting on Sephadex G-25.

Step 1. Oligonucleotide Synthesis:

A general conjugation approach is shown in the Scheme E.

All oligonucleotides were synthesized on an AKTAoligopilot synthesizer. Commercially available controlled pore glass solid support (dT-CPG, 500 {acute over (Å)}) or the phthalimido-hydroxy-prolinol solid support and RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N6-benzoyl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N4-acetyl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N2-isobutryl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, and 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite were used for the oligonucleotide synthesis. All phosphoramidites were used at a concentration of 0.2M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) except for guanosine which was used at 0.2M concentration in 10% THF/acetonitrile (v/v). Coupling/recycling time of 16 minutes was used. The activator was 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.75M), for the PO-oxidation Iodine/Water/Pyridine was used and for the PS-oxidation PADS (2%) in 2,6-lutidine/ACN (1:1 v/v) was used. The amino-linker phosphoramidite was synthesized and used at a concentration of 0.2M in acetonitrile. Coupling/recycling time for the amino-linker phosphoramidite was 16 minutes.

Step 2. Deprotection-I (Nucleobase Deprotection)

After completion of synthesis, the support was transferred to a 100 ml glass bottle. The oligonucleotide was cleaved from the support with simultaneous deprotection of base and phosphate groups with 40 mL of a 40% aq. methyl amine 90 mins at 45° C. The bottle was cooled briefly on ice and then the methylamine was filtered into a new 500 ml bottle. The CPG was washed with 3×40 mL portions of DMSO. The mixture was then cooled on dry ice.

Step 3. Deprotection-II (Removal of 2′ TBDMS Group)

To the above mixture was added 60 ml triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TREAT-HF) and heated at 40° C. for 60 minutes to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′ position. The reaction was then quenched with 220 ml of 50 mM sodium acetate (pH 5.5) and stored in freezer until purification.

Step 4. Quantitation of Crude Oligomer or Raw Analysis

For all samples, a 10 μl aliquote was diluted with 990 μl of deionised nuclease free water (1.0 mL) and absorbance reading obtained at 260 nm.

Step 5. Purification of Oligomers

(a) HPLC Purification

The crude oligomers were first analyzed by HPLC (Dionex PA 100). The buffer system was: A=20 mM phosphate pH 11, B=20 mM phosphate, 1.8 M NaBr, pH 11, flow rate 1.0 mL/min, and wavelength 260-280 nm. Injections of 5-15 μl were done for each sample. The samples were purified by HPLC on an TSK-Gel SuperQ-5PW (20) column (17.3×5 cm). The buffer system was: A=20 mM phosphate in 10% ACN, pH 8.5 and B=20 mM phosphate, 1.0 M NaBr in 10% ACN, pH 8.5, with a flow rate of 50.0 mL/min, and wavelength 260 and 294. The fractions containing the fulllength oligonucleotides were then pooled together, evaporated and reconstituted to ˜100 ml with deionised water.

Step 6. Desalting of Purified Oligomer

The purified oligonucleotides were desalted on an AKTA Explorer (Amersham Biosciences) using Sephadex G-25 column. First column was washed with water at a flow rate of 25 ml/min for 20-30 min. The sample was then applied in 25 ml fractions. The eluted salt-free fractions were combined together, dried down and reconstituted in 50 ml of RNase free water.

Step 7. Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE) and Electrospray LC/Ms

Approximately 0.15 OD of desalted oligonucleotides were diluted in water to 150 μl and then pipetted in special vials for CGE and LC/MS analysis.

Step 8. PEG Conjugation.

A) Initial Reaction Conditions.

The purified and desalted RNA was lyophilized. RNA (1 mg) was dissolved in aq.NaHCO₃ (0.1M, 2004, pH 8.1) and DMF (2004 each). 5 K (13 equivalents, 10 mg) or 20 KPEG (3.4 equivalents, 10 mg) was added directly to reaction vial and vortexed thoroughly. The reaction continued overnight at 4° C., and was followed by analytical ion-exchange HPLC. When the reaction reached >85% completion, it was quenched with aq. NaOAc (0.05M, pH 5.5) until the pH was ˜7.

B) Borate Buffer Conjugation.

The purified and desalted RNA was lyophilized. A sample of RNA (1 mg) was dissolved in sodium borate buffer (200 μL, 0.05M, pH10). 5 KPEG (3 mg, 4.5 equivalents Sunbright ME-50HS, NOF Corp.) was dissolved in CH₃CN (200 μL). The RNA solution was added to the PEG solution and vortexed thoroughly. The reaction continued for one hour at room temperature, and was followed by analytical ion-exchange HPLC. When reaction reached >85% completion, it was quenched with aq. NaOAc (0.05M, pH 5.5) until the pH was ˜7.

C) PEG Linker (AS and HS) Comparison.

A sample of RNA (1 mg) was dissolved in aq, NaHCO₃ (0.1M, 200 μL, pH 8.1) and DMF (200 μL). 5 KPEG (13.5 eq, 10 mg, Sunbright ME-50HS or Sunbright ME-50AS, NOF Corp.) was added directly to the reaction vial and vortexed thoroughly. The reaction continued overnight at 4° C., and was followed by analytical ion-exchange HPLC. When the reaction reached >85% completion, it was quenched with aq. NaOAc (0.05M, pH 5.5) until the pH was ˜7.

D) Final Optimized PEG Conjugation.

The purified and desalted RNA was lyophilized. A sample of RNA (50 mg) was dissolved in aq. NaHCO₃ (0.1M, 2 mL pH 8.1) and DMF (1 mL). 20KPEG (approximately 2.7 eq, 400-520 mg Sunbright ME-200HS, different amounts for different sequences within this range) was dissolved in CH₃CN (2 mL). The RNA solution was added to the PEG solution and vortexed thoroughly. H₂O (250 mL) was added to the reaction to decrease turbidity. The reaction continued for one hour at room temperature, and was followed by analytical ion-exchange HPLC. When the reaction reached >85% completion, it was quenched with aq. NaOAc (0.05M, pH 5.5) until the pH was ˜7.

Step 9. Analysis of Duplex Activity

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 12 provides data and graphs of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 13 Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Containing the Ribo-Difluorotoluoyl (DFT) Nucleoside (Table 13)

The RNA molecules were synthesized on a 394 ABI machine using the standard cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps. The solid support was 500 Å dT CPG (2 umole). The monomers were either RNA phosphoramidites or the ribo-difluorotoluoyl amidite. All had standard protecting groups and were used at concentrations of 0.15 M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) unless otherwise stated. Specifically the phosphoramidites were 5′-β-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-difluorotoluoyl O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite (0.12 M). The coupling times were 7 min for all RNA monomers and 10 min for the DFT monomer. Details of the other reagents are as follows: Activator: 5-ethylthio-1H-tetrazole (0.25M), Cap A: 5% acetic anhydride/THF/pyridine, Cap B: 10% N-methylimidazole/THF; phosphate oxidation involved 0.02M I₂/THF/H₂O. Detritylation was achieved with 3% TCA/dichloromethane. The DMT protecting group was removed after the last step of the cycle.

After completion of synthesis the CPG was transferred to a screw cap, sterile microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved and the base and phosphate groups were simultaneously deprotected with 1.0 mL of a mixture of ethanolic ammonia (1:3) for 16 hours at 55° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the solution was transferred to a 5 mL centrifuge tube; this was followed by washing three times with 0.25 mL of 50% acetonitrile. The tubes were cooled at −80° C. for 15 min, before drying in a lyophilizer.

The white residue obtained was resuspended in 200 uL of triethylamine trihydrofluoride and heated at 65° C. for 1.5 h to remove the TBDMS groups at the 2′-position. The oligonucleotides were then precipitated in dry methanol (400 uL). The liquid was removed carefully to yield a pellet at the bottom of the tube. Residual methanol was removed in the speed vacuum to give a white fluffy material. Samples were dissolved in 1 mL RNase free water and quantitated by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm. This crude material was stored at −20° C.

The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by 20% polyacrylamide denaturing gels. The purified dry oligonucleotides were then desalted using Sephadex G25M.

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 13 and FIG. 37 provide data and graphs of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 14 Synthesis of RNA modified with 2′-ara-fluoro-2′-deoxy-nucleosides (Table 14)

The chimeric RNA molecules were synthesized on a 394 ABI machine using the standard cycle written by the manufacturer with modifications to a few wait steps. The solid support was 500 Å dT CPG (2 μmole). The monomers were either RNA phosphoramidites, or 2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy (2′ ara F) phosphoramidites. All monomers had standard protecting groups and were used at concentrations of 0.15 M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) unless otherwise stated. Specifically the RNA phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁶-benzoyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O-(α-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl) phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-acetyl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-tbutyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite; the 2′ ara F phosphoramidites were 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-N⁴-benzoyl-2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy-cytidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy-uridine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite, and 5′-O-Dimethoxytrityl-2′-arafluoro-thymidine-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl-N,N′-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite. The coupling times were 10 min for all monomers. Details of the other reagents are as follows: Activator: 5-ethylthio-1H-tetrazole (0.25M), Cap A: 5% acetic anhydride/THF/pyridine, Cap B: 10% N-methylimidazole/THF; phosphate oxidation involved 0.02 M I₂/THF/H₂O. Detritylation was achieved with 3% TCA/dichloromethane. The final DMT protecting group was removed after the last cycle.

After completion of synthesis the CPG was transferred to a screw cap, sterile microfuge tube. The oligonucleotide was cleaved and the base and phosphate groups were simultaneously deprotected with 1.0 mL of a mixture of ethanolic ammonia conc (1:3) for 5 hours at 55° C. The tube was cooled briefly on ice and then the solution was transferred to a 5 mL centrifuge tube; this was followed by washing three times with 0.25 mL of 50% acetonitrile. The tubes were cooled at −80° C. for 15 min, before drying in a lyophilizer.

The white residue obtained was resuspended in 200 μL of triethylamine trihydrofluoride and heated at 65° C. for 1.5 h to remove the TBDMS groups at the 2′-OH position. The oligonucleotides were then precipitated in dry methanol (400 μL). The liquid was removed carefully to yield a pellet at the bottom of the tube. Residual methanol was removed in the speed vacuum to give a white fluffy material. Samples were dissolved in 1 mL RNase free water and quantitated by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm. This crude material was stored at −20° C.

The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed and purified by 20% polyacrylamide denaturing gels. The purified dry oligonucleotides were then desalted using Sephadex G25M (Amersham Biosciences).

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 14 and FIG. 38 provide data and graphs of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 15 Deprotection of Methylphosphonate Modified siRNAs (Table 15)

Deprotection Step 1:

After completion of the synthesis, the controlled pore glass (CPG) was transferred to a screw cap vial. A solution (0.5 ml) consisting of Acetonitrile/Ethanol/NH₄OH (45:45:10) was added to the support. The vial was sealed and left at room temperature for 30 min. Ethylenediamine (0.5 mL) was added to the vial and left at room temperature for an additional 6 hours. The supernatant was decanted and the support was washed twice with 1:1 acetonitrile/water (0.5 mL). The combined supernatant was diluted with water (15 mL). The pH was adjusted to 7.0 with 6 M HCl in AcCN/H₂O (1:9). The sample was desalted using a Sep-pak C₁₈ cartridge and then dried in a speed vac.

Deprotection Step 2 (Removal of 2′-O— TBDMS Group)

The white residue obtained was resuspended in a mixture of triethylamine, triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TEA.3HF ca, 24% HF) and 1-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone (NMP) (4:3:7) (400 ul) and heated at 65° C. for 90 min to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′-position. The reaction was then quenched with isopropoxytrimethylsilane (iPrOMe₃Si, 400 ul) and further incubated on the heating block leaving the caps open for 10 min; (This causes the volatile isopropoxytrimethylsilylfluoride adduct to vaporize). The residual quenching reagent was removed by drying in a speed vac. 3% Triethylamine in diethyl ether (1.5 ml) was added and the mixture was subjected to centrifugation to afford a pellet of RNA. The supernatant was pipetted out without disturbing the pellet. The pellet was dried in a speed vac. The crude RNA was obtained as a white fluffy material in the microfuge tube.

Purification:

All methylphosphonate modified sequences were purified by PAGE

Analysis of Duplex Activity

Duplexes were tested for activity in the HeLa cell assay described above. Table 15 provides data of the activities in HeLa cells for each of the modifications described above.

Example 16 AL-DP-4409 Inhibits VEGF Protein and mRNA Expression in a Dose-Dependent Manner

The ability of AL-DP-4409 to inhibit VEGF was assessed in vitro by transient transfection of siRNAs into two human (HeLa and ARPE-19) cell lines and one rat (RPE-J) cell line. AL-DP-4409 activity was compared to its unmodified “parent” siRNA (AL-DP-4094), its mismatch control (AL-DP-4409 MM), a control unrelated siRNA directed towards luciferase (AL-DP-3015), and an active VEGF siRNA reported in the literature (hVEFG5 or Cand5 (Reich et al. Molec. Vision 9:210-6, 2003)).

Methods: siRNA:

ALN-VEG01 is a chemically modified (one 3′ PS per strand) siRNA that targets all VEGF-A spliced isoforms across multiple species (human, rat, mouse, etc.). ALN-VEG01 MM is a mismatch siRNA identical in sequence and chemistry to ALN-VEG01 with the exception of 5 mismatched base pairs. AL-DP-4094 represents the unmodified “parent” siRNA of ALN-VEG01 and contains the identical sequence to ALN-VEG01 but with no chemical modifications. Control irrelevant siRNA targeting luciferase was also utilized. Sequences of the siRNAs are listed below (s indicates phosphorothioate modification and mismatches are shown in bold):

AL-DP-4409: 5′ GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU 3′ SEQ ID NO: 671 3′ GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGA A 5′ SEQ ID NO: 939 AL-DP-4409 MM: 5′ GCACAU U GGA C AG U UG U G G UsU 3′ SEQ ID NO: 1086 3′ GsUCGUGUA A CCU G UC A AC A C C A A 5′ SEQ ID NO: 1087

Mismatches to AL-DP-4409 are shown as bold and underlined.

AL-DP-4094: 5′ GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU 3′ SEQ ID NO: 608 3′ GUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAA 5′ SEQ ID NO: 609 AL-DP-3015: 5′ GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCU 3′ SEQ ID NO: 830 3′ CGCUUGACACACACUCUCCAGGA 5′ SEQ ID NO: 831

Transfection:

Human epithelial cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa, ATCC, Cat#CCL-2.2) or retinal pigment epithelial cells—human (ARPE-19, ATCC, Manassas, Va., Cat#CRL-2302) or rat (RPE-J, ATCC, Manassas, Va., Cat#CRL-2240), were plated in 96-well plates (8,000-10,000 cells/well) in 100 μl 10% fetal bovine serum in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, Gibco, Cat#11995-065). When the cells reached approximately 50% confluence (˜20 hours later) they were transfected with serial three-fold dilutions of siRNA starting at 10 nM. 0.4 μl of transfection reagent Lipofectamine™ 2000 (Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, Calif., Cat#11668-027) was used per well and transfections were performed according to the manufacturer's protocol. Namely, the siRNA: Lipofectamine™ 2000 complexes were prepared as follows. The appropriate amount of siRNA was diluted in Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium (Gibco, Cat#31985-062). The Lipofectamine™ 2000 was mixed gently before use, then for each well of a 96 well plate 0.4 μl was diluted in 25 μl of Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium, mixed gently and incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. After the 5 minute incubation, 1 μl of the diluted siRNA was combined with the diluted Lipofectamine™ 2000 (total volume is 26.4 μl). The complex was mixed gently and incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the siRNA:Lipofectamine™ 2000 complexes to form. Then 100 μl of 10% fetal bovine serum in DMEM was added to each of the siRNA:Lipofectamine™ 2000 complexes and mixed gently by rocking the plate back and forth. 100 μl of the above mixture was added to each well containing the cells and the plates with human HeLa and ARPE-19 cells were incubated at 37° C. (with rat RPE-J cells at −33° C.) in a CO₂ incubator for 24 hours, then the culture medium was removed and 100 μl of fresh 10% fetal bovine serum in DMEM was added.

Following the medium change at time points indicated for each experiment, conditioned medium was collected to measure VEGF protein levels and cells were lysed to measure VEGF mRNA levels.

VEGF Protein Quantification in Conditioned Medium:

Human or rat VEGF ELISA was performed, using the Quantikine human or rat VEGF ELISA kit (R&D Systems, Inc. Minneapolis, Minn.). These kits contain the basic components required for the development of sandwich ELISAs to measure natural and recombinant human or rat VEGF in cell culture supernatants.

VEGF mRNA Quantification in Cell Lysates:

Cells were assayed for VEGF mRNA silencing using QuantiGene Discover Kit (Genospectra, Fremont, Calif., Cat#QG-000-010) following the manufacturer's protocol.

Results:

FIGS. 51 and 52 demonstrate that in human HeLa (2 days post-transfection) and ARPE-19 (5 days post-transfection) cell lines, respectively, both AL-DP-4409 and its originally synthesized batch (AL-DP-4094), but not Luciferase (AL-DP-3015) or AL-DP-4409 MM, inhibited VEGF protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. In both cell lines, AL-DP-4409 exhibited more than 90% protein reduction with an IC50 of 100-200 nM, while VEGF5 (Cand5) exhibited less than 50% protein reduction with an IC50 higher than 1 μM.

FIG. 53 demonstrates that in rat RPE-J cell line (7 days post-transfection) both AL-DP-4409 and its originally synthesized unmodified batch (AL-DP-4094), but not Luciferase (AL-DP-3015) or AL-DP-4409 MM, inhibited VEGF protein expression in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited more than 90% protein reduction with an IC50 of 100-200 nM. VEGF5 (Cand5) does not crossreact with rat and did not show any activity.

On the mRNA level (FIG. 54), in HeLa cells, 2 days post-transfection, 60% inhibition of VEGF mRNA was observed in a human HeLa cell line with AL-DP-4409 and its unmodified “parent” siRNA (AL-DP-4094), but not with Luciferase (AL-DP-3015) or AL-DP-4409 MM controls. The IC50 of AL-DP-4409 was around 200 nM.

As shown in FIG. 55, VEGF protein inhibition by AL-DP-4409 was more than 90% in human ARPE-19 cells, and this inhibition lasted for at least 10 days when cells were treated with 30 nM AL-DP-4409. At doses less than 0.4 nM, protein inhibition was maintained at more than 50% for at least 10 days.

Example 17 An siRNA Directed Against VEGF Decreased Retinal Neovascularization

Rodent models of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), also known as oxygen-induced retinopathy, have been utilized to assess the efficacy of a variety of anti-angiogenic compounds in the context of ocular neovascularization.

Materials and Methods:

Newborn rats were exposed to oxygen concentration alternating between 50% and 10% every 24 hrs from birth through day 14. Alternating oxygen concentrations were used because the 50%/10% regimen produces a severe, reproducible, predictable and measurable retinal vascular response. At day 14, the rats were removed to room air where they remained until day 20. Therapeutic agents, including siRNA, were administered intravitreally in PBS (5 μl/injection) at the time of removal from the exposure chamber (day 14). Following exposure to room air, the retinal vasculature responds to the “relative” low oxygen concentration of room air as a hypoxic condition, thus resulting in the rapid upregulation of angiogenic molecules, such as VEGF, which promote growth of new blood vessels. Neovascularization was quantitatively assessed using computer-assisted image analysis of flat mount retinal preparations stained with ADPase. In addition, the area of retina containing intraretinal vessels was measured to determine the effect, if any, of various treatments on the normal retinal vasculature. Neovascularization data are expressed as mean neovascular area (mm²)+/−SE and normal retinal vasculature data are expressed as % vascular area (+/−SE). Scheffe's post-hoc analysis was employed to identify significant differences in both neovascular area and normal vascular area.

Results. Dose-Dependent Response of AL-DP-4409 in Rat ROP Model.

Development of neovascularization was pronounced in rats exposed to room air following alternating high oxygen exposure (FIG. 56). Neovascularization was pronounced in rats that were either untreated (n=6; mean=2.442±0.394 mm²) or injected intravitreally with PBS (n=5; mean=1.484±0.386 mm²) at day 14. Rats receiving an intravitreal injection of a control siRNA directed against luciferase (AL-DP-3015) showed no effect of neovascularization as compared to control or buffer-treated mice at any of the siRNA doses tested (60 μg; n=9; mean=1.449±0.320 mm²) (3 ug; n=3; mean=1.827±0.139 mm²) (0.15 μg; n=7; mean=2.249±0.233 mm²) (FIG. 56). In contrast, rats treated with a single intravitreal injection of an siRNA directed against VEGF, identified as AL-DP-4409, showed a dramatic dose-dependent effect on retinal neovascularization (FIG. 56). Administration of 60 μg of AL-DP-4409 VEGF siRNA decreased retinal neovascularization by 85% when compared with rats receiving 60 μg of control luciferase siRNA (n=7; mean=0.200±0.052 mm²; p=0.001). Treatment with 3 μg of AL-DP-4409 VEGF siRNA was also effective, reducing neovascularization by 65% when compared with rats receiving 3 μg of AL-DP-3015 control luciferase siRNA (n=3; mean=0.637±0.344 mm²); p=0.04). Treatment with 0.15 μg of AL-DP-4409 VEGF siRNA had no effect on neovascularization (n=7; mean=1.790±0.127 mm²), thus confirming the dose-responsive effect.

In contrast to the efficacy seen towards pathologic neovascularization, neither AL-DP-3015 control luciferase siRNA nor AL-DP-4409 VEGF siRNA treatment had any effect on normal vascular development (FIG. 57). Confirmation of the selective and specific effect of AL-DP-4409 VEGF siRNA on pathologic neovascularization and not on normal retinal vasculature was demonstrated in ADP-stained flat mount sections.

Specificity of AL-DP-4409 in Rat ROP Model.

To confirm the activity of AL-DP-4409 VEGF siRNA in inhibiting retinal neovascularization, AL-DP-4409 was compared with a specific mismatched siRNA, AL-DP-4409 MM (see above). The mismatch sequence results in loss of in vitro VEGF silencing activity. As demonstrated previously, robust development of retinal neovascularization was seen in animals that received either no intravitreal injection (n=9; mean=1.996±0.151 mm²) or PBS buffer injection (n=7; mean=1.716±0.214 mm²) (FIG. 58). The VEGF mismatch siRNA showed no effect on neovascularization at a 60 μg dose (n=10; mean=2.012±0.200 mm²) (FIG. 58). Confirming previous results, the 60 μg dose of AL-DP-4409 significantly inhibited neovascularization by 75% (n=9; mean=0.503±0.086 mm²; p=0.001 vs MM), while the lower 3 μg dose of AL-Dp-4409 inhibited by 49% (n=9; mean=1.044±0.193 mm²; p=0.18 vs MM). Lastly, none of the siRNA tested had any effect on normal retinal vasculature (FIG. 59).

Other Embodiments

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

TABLE 1 Target sequences in VEGF 121 TARGET SEQUENCE IN VEGF121 mRNA SEQ ID NO: ORF 5′ to 3′ 2 1 AUGAACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGU 3 2 UGAACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUG 4 3 GAACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGC 5 4 AACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCA 6 5 ACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAU 7 6 CUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUU 8 7 UUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUG 9 8 UUCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGG 10 9 UCUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGA 11 10 CUGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAG 12 11 UGCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGC 13 12 GCUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCC 14 13 CUGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCU 15 14 UGUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUU 16 15 GUCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUG 17 16 UCUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGC 18 17 CUUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCC 19 18 UUGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCU 20 19 UGGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUU 21 20 GGGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUG 22 21 GGUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGC 23 22 GUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCU 24 23 UGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUG 25 24 GCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGC 26 25 CAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCU 27 26 AUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUC 28 27 UUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCU 29 28 UGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUA 30 29 GGAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUAC 31 30 GAGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUACC 32 31 AGCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUACCU 33 32 GCCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUACCUC 34 33 CCUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUACCUCC 35 34 CUUGCCUUGCUGCUCUACCUCCA 36 35 UUGCCUUGCUGCUCUACCUCCAC 37 36 UGCCUUGCUGCUCUACCUCCACC 38 37 GCCUUGCUGCUCUACCUCCACCA 39 38 CCUUGCUGCUCUACCUCCACCAU 40 39 CUUGCUGCUCUACCUCCACCAUG 41 40 UUGCUGCUCUACCUCCACCAUGC 42 41 UGCUGCUCUACCUCCACCAUGCC 43 42 GCUGCUCUACCUCCACCAUGCCA 44 43 CUGCUCUACCUCCACCAUGCCAA 45 44 UGCUCUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAG 46 45 GCUCUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGU 47 46 CUCUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUG 48 47 UCUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGG 49 48 CUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGU 50 49 UACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUC 51 50 ACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCC 52 51 CCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCC 53 52 CUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCA 54 53 UCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAG 55 54 CCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGG 56 55 CACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGC 57 56 ACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCU 58 57 CCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUG 59 58 CAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGC 60 59 AUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCA 61 60 UGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCAC 62 61 GCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACC 63 62 CCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCC 64 63 CAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCA 65 64 AAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAU 66 65 AGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAUG 67 66 GUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAUGG 68 67 UGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAUGGC 69 68 GGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAUGGCA 70 69 GUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAUGGCAG 71 70 UCCCAGGCUGCACCCAUGGCAGA 72 71 CCCAGGCUGCACCCAUGGCAGAA 73 72 CCAGGCUGCACCCAUGGCAGAAG 74 73 CAGGCUGCACCCAUGGCAGAAGG 75 74 AGGCUGCACCCAUGGCAGAAGGA 76 75 GGCUGCACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAG 77 76 GCUGCACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGG 78 77 CUGCACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGA 79 78 UGCACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAG 80 79 GCACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGG 81 80 CACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGG 82 81 ACCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGC 83 82 CCCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCA 84 83 CCAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAG 85 84 CAUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGA 86 85 AUGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAA 87 86 UGGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAU 88 87 GGCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUC 89 88 GCAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCA 90 89 CAGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAU 91 90 AGAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUC 92 91 GAAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCA 93 92 AAGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCAC 94 93 AGGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCACG 95 94 GGAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGA 96 95 GAGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAA 97 96 AGGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAG 98 97 GGAGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGU 99 98 GAGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUG 100 99 AGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGG 101 100 GGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGU 102 101 GGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUG 103 102 GCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGA 104 103 CAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAA 105 104 AGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAG 106 105 GAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGU 107 106 AAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGUU 108 107 AUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUC 109 108 UCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCA 110 109 CAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAU 111 110 AUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUG 112 111 UCACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGG 113 112 CACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGA 114 113 ACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAU 115 114 CGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUG 116 115 GAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGU 117 116 AAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUC 118 117 AGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCU 119 118 GUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUA 120 119 UGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAU 121 120 GGUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUC 122 121 GUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCA 123 122 UGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAG 124 123 GAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGC 125 124 AAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCG 126 125 AGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGC 127 126 GUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCA 128 127 UUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAG 129 128 UCAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGC 130 129 CAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCU 131 130 AUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUA 132 131 UGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUAC 133 132 GGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACU 134 133 GAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUG 135 134 AUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGC 136 135 UGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCC 137 136 GUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCCA 138 137 UCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCCAU 139 138 CUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCCAUC 140 139 UAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCC 141 140 AUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCA 142 141 UCAGCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAA 143 142 CAGCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAU 144 143 AGCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUC 145 144 GCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCG 146 145 CGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGA 147 146 GCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAG 148 147 CAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGA 149 148 AGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGAC 150 149 GCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACC 151 150 CUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCC 152 151 UACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCU 153 152 ACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUG 154 153 CUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUGG 155 154 UGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUGGU 156 155 GCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUGGUG 157 156 CCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUGGUGG 158 157 CAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUGGUGGA 159 158 AUCCAAUCGAGACCCUGGUGGAC 160 159 UCCAAUCGAGACCCUGGUGGACA 161 160 CCAAUCGAGACCCUGGUGGACAU 162 161 CAAUCGAGACCCUGGUGGACAUC 163 162 AAUCGAGACCCUGGUGGACAUCU 164 163 AUCGAGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUU 165 164 UCGAGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUC 166 165 CGAGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCC 167 166 GAGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCA 168 167 AGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAG 169 168 GACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGG 170 169 ACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGA 171 170 CCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAG 172 171 CCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGU 173 172 CUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUA 174 173 UGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUAC 175 174 GGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACC 176 175 GUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCC 177 176 UGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCU 178 177 GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUG 179 178 GACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGA 180 179 ACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAU 181 180 CAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAUG 182 181 AUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAUGA 183 182 UCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAUGAG 184 183 CUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAUGAGA 185 184 UUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAUGAGAU 186 185 UCCAGGAGUACCCUGAUGAGAUC 187 186 CCAGGAGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCG 188 187 CAGGAGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGA 189 188 AGGAGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAG 190 189 GGAGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGU 191 190 GAGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUA 192 191 AGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUAC 193 192 GUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACA 194 193 UACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACAU 195 194 ACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACAUC 196 195 CCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACAUCU 197 196 CCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACAUCUU 198 197 CUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACAUCUUC 199 198 UGAUGAGAUCGAGUACAUCUUCA 200 199 GAUGAGAUCGAGUACAUCUUCAA 201 200 AUGAGAUCGAGUACAUCUUCAAG 202 201 UGAGAUCGAGUACAUCUUCAAGC 203 202 GAGAUCGAGUACAUCUUCAAGCC 204 203 AGAUCGAGUACAUCUUCAAGCCA 205 204 GAUCGAGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAU 206 205 AUCGAGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUC 207 206 UCGAGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCC 208 207 CGAGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCU 209 208 GAGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUG 210 209 AGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGU 211 210 GUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUG 212 211 UACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGU 213 212 ACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUG 214 213 CAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGC 215 214 AUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCC 216 215 UCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCC 217 216 CUUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCC 218 217 UUCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCU 219 218 UCAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUG 220 219 CAAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGA 221 220 AAGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAU 222 221 AGCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUG 223 222 GCCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGC 224 223 CCAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCG 225 224 CAUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGA 226 225 AUCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAU 227 226 UCCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUG 228 227 CCUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGC 229 228 CUGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCG 230 229 UGUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGG 231 230 GUGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGG 232 231 UGUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGG 233 232 GUGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGG 234 233 UGCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGC 235 234 GCCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCU 236 235 CCCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUG 237 236 CCCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGC 238 237 CCUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCU 239 238 CUGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUG 240 239 UGAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGC 241 240 GAUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCA 242 241 AUGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAA 243 242 UGCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAU 244 243 GCGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUG 245 244 CGAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGA 246 245 GAUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGAC 247 246 AUGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGACG 248 247 UGCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGACGA 249 248 GCGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGACGAG 250 249 CGGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGACGAGG 251 250 GGGGGCUGCUGCAAUGACGAGGG 252 251 GGGGCUGCUGCAAUGACGAGGGC 253 252 GGGCUGCUGCAAUGACGAGGGCC 254 253 GGCUGCUGCAAUGACGAGGGCCU 255 254 GCUGCUGCAAUGACGAGGGCCUG 256 255 CUGCUGCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGG 257 256 UGCUGCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGA 258 257 GCUGCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAG 259 258 CUGCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGU 260 259 UGCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUG 261 260 GCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGU 262 261 CAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUG 263 262 AAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGU 264 263 AUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUG 265 264 UGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGC 266 265 GACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCC 267 266 ACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCC 268 267 CGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCA 269 268 GAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCAC 270 269 AGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCACU 271 270 GGGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCACUG 272 271 GGCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCACUGA 273 272 GCCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCACUGAG 274 273 CCUGGAGUGUGUGCCCACUGAGG 275 274 CUGGAGUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGA 276 275 UGGAGUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAG 277 276 GGAGUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGU 278 277 GAGUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUC 279 278 AGUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCC 280 279 GUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCA 281 280 UGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAA 282 281 GUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAAC 283 282 UGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACA 284 283 GUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAU 285 284 UGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUC 286 285 GCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCA 287 286 CCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCAC 288 287 CCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACC 289 288 CACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCA 290 289 ACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCAU 291 290 CUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCAUG 292 291 UGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCAUGC 293 292 GAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCAUGCA 294 293 AGGAGUCCAACAUCACCAUGCAG 295 294 GGAGUCCAACAUCACCAUGCAGA 296 295 GAGUCCAACAUCACCAUGCAGAU 297 296 AGUCCAACAUCACCAUGCAGAUU 298 297 GUCCAACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUA 299 298 UCCAACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAU 300 299 CCAACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUG 301 300 CAACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGC 302 301 AACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCG 303 302 ACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGG 304 303 CAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGA 305 304 AUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAU 306 305 UCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUC 307 306 CACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCA 308 307 ACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAA 309 308 CCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAA 310 309 CAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAAC 311 310 AUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACC 312 311 UGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCU 313 312 GCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUC 314 313 CAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCA 315 314 AGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCAC 316 315 GAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACC 317 316 AUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCA 318 317 UUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAA 319 318 UAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAG 320 319 AUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGG 321 320 UGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGC 322 321 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCC 323 322 CGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCCA 324 323 GGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCCAG 325 324 GAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCCAGC 326 325 AUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCA 327 326 UCAAACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCAC 328 327 CAAACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCACA 329 328 AAACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCACAU 330 329 AACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCACAUA 331 330 ACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCACAUAG 332 331 CCUCACCAAGGCCAGCACAUAGG 333 332 CUCACCAAGGCCAGCACAUAGGA 334 333 UCACCAAGGCCAGCACAUAGGAG 335 334 CACCAAGGCCAGCACAUAGGAGA 336 335 ACCAAGGCCAGCACAUAGGAGAG 337 336 CCAAGGCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGA 338 337 CAAGGCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAU 339 338 AAGGCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUG 340 339 AGGCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGA 341 340 GGCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAG 342 341 GCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGC 343 342 CCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCU 344 343 CAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU 345 344 AGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUC 346 345 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCC 347 346 CACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCU 348 347 ACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUA 349 348 CAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUAC 350 349 AUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACA 351 350 UAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACAG 352 351 AGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACAGC 353 352 GGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACAGCA 354 353 GAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACAGCAC 355 354 AGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACAGCACA 356 355 GAGAUGAGCUUCCUACAGCACAA 357 356 AGAUGAGCUUCCUACAGCACAAC 358 357 GAUGAGCUUCCUACAGCACAACA 359 358 AUGAGCUUCCUACAGCACAACAA 360 359 UGAGCUUCCUACAGCACAACAAA 361 360 GAGCUUCCUACAGCACAACAAAU 362 361 AGCUUCCUACAGCACAACAAAUG 363 362 GCUUCCUACAGCACAACAAAUGU 364 363 CUUCCUACAGCACAACAAAUGUG 365 364 UUCCUACAGCACAACAAAUGUGA 366 365 UCCUACAGCACAACAAAUGUGAA 367 366 CCUACAGCACAACAAAUGUGAAU 368 367 CUACAGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUG 369 368 UACAGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGC 370 369 ACAGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCA 371 370 CAGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAG 372 371 AGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGA 373 372 GCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGAC 374 373 CACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGACC 375 374 ACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCA 376 375 CAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAA 377 376 AACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAA 378 377 ACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAG 379 378 CAAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGA 380 379 AAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAA 381 380 AAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAA 382 381 AUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG 383 382 UGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGA 384 383 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAU 385 384 UGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAUA 386 385 GAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAUAG 387 386 AAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAUAGA 388 387 AUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAG 389 388 UGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGC 390 389 GCAGACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCA 391 390 CAGACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAA 392 391 AGACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAG 393 392 GACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGA 394 393 ACCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGAC 395 394 CCAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGACA 396 395 CAAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGACAA 397 396 AAAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGACAAG 398 397 AAGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGACAAGA 399 398 AGAAAGAUAGAGCAAGACAAGAA 400 399 GAAAGAUAGAGCAAGACAAGAAA 401 400 AAAGAUAGAGCAAGACAAGAAAA

TABLE 2 SEQ SEQ Position ID Target sequence Alnylam DUP ID EFFICACY EFFICACY in ORF NO: (5′-3′) ID Strand NO: SEQUENCES HELA HRPE 1 2 AUGAACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGU AL-DP-4043 S 402 5 GAACUUUCUGCUGUCUUGGGU 3 +++ NA AS 403 3 UACUUGAAAGACGACAGAACCCA 5 22 23 GUGCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCU AL-DP-4077 S 404 5 GCAUUGGAGCCUUGCCUUGCU 3 +++ NA AS 405 3 CACGUAACCUCGGAACGGAACGA 5 47 48 UCUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGG AL-DP-4021 S 406 5 UACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUTT 3 + NA AS 407 3 TTAUGGAGGUGGUACGGUUCA 5 48 49 CUACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGU AL-DP-4109 S 408 5 ACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGTT 3 + NA AS 409 3 TTUGGAGGUGGUACGGUUCAC 5 50 51 ACCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCC AL-DP-4006 S 410 5 CUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCC 3 ++ + AS 411 3 UGGAGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGG 5 AL-DP-4083 S 412 5 CUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUTT 3 ++ ++ AS 413 3 TTGAGGUGGUACGGUUCACCA 5 51 52 CCUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCC AL-DP-4047 S 414 5 UCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCC 3 + NA AS 415 3 GGAGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGG 5 AL-DP-4017 S 416 5 UCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCTT 3 + NA AS 417 3 TTAGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAG 5 52 53 CUCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCA AL-DP-4048 S 418 5 CCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCA 3 ++ ++ AS 419 3 GAGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGU 5 AL-DP-4103 S 420 5 CCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCTT 3 ++/+ ++ AS 421 3 TTGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGG 5 53 54 UCCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAG AL-DP-4035 S 422 5 CACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAG 3 ++ + AS 423 3 AGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUC 5 AL-DP-4018 S 424 5 CACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCTT 3 ++/+ + AS 425 3 TTGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGG 5 54 55 CCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGG AL-DP-4036 S 426 5 ACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGG 3 +++ ++ AS 427 3 GGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCC 5 AL-DP-4084 S 428 5 ACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCATT 3 ++ + AS 429 3 TTUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGU 5 55 56 CACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGC AL-DP-4093 S 430 5 CCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGC 3 ++ + AS 431 3 GUGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCG 5 AL-DP-4085 S 432 5 CCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGTT 3 + + AS 433 3 TTGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUC 5 56 57 ACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCU AL-DP-4037 S 434 5 CAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCU 3 + + AS 435 3 UGGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGA 5 AL-DP-4054 S 436 5 CAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGTT 3 ++ + AS 437 3 TTGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCC 5 57 58 CCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUG AL-DP-4038 S 438 5 AUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUG 3 ++ ++ AS 439 3 GGUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGAC 5 AL-DP-4086 S 440 5 AUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCTT 3 + + AS 441 3 TTUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCG 5 58 59 CAUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGC AL-DP-4049 S 442 5 UGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGC 3 ++ ++ AS 443 3 GUACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACG 5 AL-DP-4087 S 444 5 UGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUTT 3 + + AS 445 3 TTACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGA 5 59 60 AUGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCA AL-DP-4001 S 446 5 GCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCA 3 ++ ++ AS 447 3 UACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGU 5 AL-DP-4052 A 448 5 GCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGTT 3 +++ ++ AS 449 3 TTCGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGAC 5 60 61 UGCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCAC AL-DP-4007 S 450 5 CCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCAC 3 +++ ++ AS 451 3 ACGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGUG 5 AL-DP-4088 S 452 5 CCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCTT 3 +++ ++ AS 453 3 TTGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACG 5 61 62 GCCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACC AL-DP-4070 S 454 5 CAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACC 3 ++ ++ AS 455 3 CGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGUGG 5 AL-DP-4055 S 456 5 CAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCATT 3 +++ + AS 457 3 TTGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGU 5 62 63 CCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCC AL-DP-4071 S 458 5 AAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCC 3 + NA AS 459 3 GGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGUGGG 5 AL-DP-4056 S 460 5 AAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACTT 3 ++ NA AS 461 3 TTUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGUG 5 63 64 CAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCA AL-DP-4072 S 462 5 AGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCA 3 ++ + AS 463 3 GUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGUGGGU 5 AL-DP-4057 S 464 5 AGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCTT 3 ++/+ ++ AS 465 3 TTUCACCAGGGUCCGACGUGG 5 64 65 AAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCAU AL-DP-4066 S 466 5 GUGGUCCCAGGCUGCACCCTT 3 + NA AS 467 3 TTCACCAGGGUCCGACGUGGG 5 99 100 AGGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGG AL-DP-4022 S 468 5 GGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUTT 3 +++ NA AS 469 3 TTCCGUCUUAGUAGUGCUUCA 5 100 101 GGGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGU AL-DP-4023 S 470 5 GCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGTT 3 ++ NA AS 471 3 TTCGUCUUAGUAGUGCUUCAC 5 101 102 GGCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUG AL-DP-4024 S 472 5 CAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGTT 3 + NA AS 473 3 TTGUCUUAGUAGUGCUUCACC 5 102 103 GCAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGA AL-DP-4076 S 474 5 AGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGA 3 ++ NA AS 475 3 CGUCUUAGUAGUGCUUCACCACU 5 AL-DP-4019 S 476 5 AGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUTT 3 ++ NA AS 477 3 TTUCUUAGUAGUGCUUCACCA 5 103 104 CAGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAA AL-DP-4025 S 478 5 GAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGTT 3 ++ NA AS 479 3 TTCUUAGUAGUGCUUCACCAC 5 104 105 AGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAG AL-DP-4110 S 480 5 AAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGATT 3 + NA AS 481 3 TTUUAGUAGUGCUUCACCACU 5 105 106 GAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAAGU AL-DP-4068 S 482 5 AUCAUCACGAAGUGGUGAATT 3 + NA AS 483 3 TTUAGUAGUGCUUCACCACUU 5 113 114 ACGAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAU AL-DP-4078 S 484 5 GAAGUGGUGAAGUUCAUGGAU 3 +++ NA AS 485 3 UGCUUCACCACUUCAAGUACCUA 5 121 122 GUGAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCA AL-DP-4080 S 486 5 GAAGUUCAUGGAUGUCUAUCA 3 +++ NA AS 487 3 CACUUCAAGUACCUACAGAUAGU 5 129 130 CAUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCU AL-DP-4111 S 488 5 UGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGTT 3 +++ NA AS 489 3 TTACCUACAGAUAGUCGCGUC 5 130 131 AUGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUA AL-DP-4041 S 490 5 GGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUA 3 +++ NA AS 491 3 UACCUACAGAUAGUCGCGUCGAU 5 AL-DP-4062 S 492 5 GGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCTT 3 +++ NA AS 493 3 TTCCUACAGAUAGUCGCGUCG 5 131 132 UGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUAC AL-DP-4069 S 494 5 GAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUTT 3 +++ NA AS 495 3 TTCUACAGAUAGUCGCGUCGA 5 132 133 GGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACU AL-DP-4112 S 496 5 AUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUATT 3 + NA AS 497 3 TTUACAGAUAGUCGCGUCGAU 5 133 134 GAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUG AL-DP-4026 S 498 5 UGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACTT 3 ++ NA AS 499 3 TTACAGAUAGUCGCGUCGAUG 5 134 135 AUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGC AL-DP-4095 S 500 5 GUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGC 3 +++ NA AS 501 3 UACAGAUAGUCGCGUCGAUGACG 5 AL-DP-4020 S 502 5 GUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUTT 3 +++ NA AS 503 3 TTCAGAUAGUCGCGUCGAUGA 5 135 136 UGUCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGCC AL-DP-4027 S 504 5 UCUAUCAGCGCAGCUACUGTT 3 + NA AS 505 3 TTAGAUAGUCGCGUCGAUGAC 5 144 145 GCGCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCG AL-DP-4081 S 506 5 GCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCG 3 +++ NA AS 507 3 CGCGUCGAUGACGGUAGGUUAGC 5 146 147 GCAGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAG AL-DP-4098 S 508 5 AGCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAG 3 +++ NA AS 509 3 CGUCGAUGACGGUAGGUUAGCUC 5 149 150 GCUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACC AL-DP-4028 S 510 5 UACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGATT 3 ++ NA AS 511 3 TTAUGACGGUAGGUUAGCUCU 5 150 151 CUACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCC AL-DP-4029 S 512 5 ACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACTT 3 + NA AS 513 3 TTUGACGGUAGGUUAGCUCUG 5 151 152 UACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCU AL-DP-4030 S 514 5 CUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCTT 3 +++ NA AS 515 3 TTGACGGUAGGUUAGCUCUGG 5 152 153 ACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCUG AL-DP-4031 S 516 5 UGCCAUCCAAUCGAGACCCTT 3 + NA AS 517 3 TTACGGUAGGUUAGCUCUGGG 5 166 167 GAGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCA AL-DP-4008 S 518 5 GACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCA 3 ++ + AS 519 3 CUCUGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGU 5 AL-DP-4058 S 520 5 GACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCTT 3 ++ ++ AS 521 3 TTCUGGGACCACCUGUAGAAG 5 167 168 AGACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAG AL-DP-4009 S 522 5 ACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAG 3 ++ NA AS 523 3 UCUGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUC 5 AL-DP-4059 S 524 5 ACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCTT 3 + NA AS 525 3 TTUGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGG 5 168 169 GACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGG AL-DP-4010 S 526 5 CCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGG 3 + + AS 527 3 CUGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCC 5 AL-DP-4060 S 528 5 CCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCATT 3 +++ ++ AS 529 3 TTGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGU 5 169 170 ACCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGA AL-DP-4073 S 530 5 CCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGA 3 ++ + AS 531 3 UGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCCU 5 AL-DP-4104 S 532 5 CCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGTT 3 +++/+ ++ AS 533 3 TTGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUC 5 170 171 CCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAG AL-DP-4011 S 534 5 CUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAG 3 + NA AS 535 3 GGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCCUC 5 AL-DP-4089 S 536 5 CUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGTT 3 + NA AS 537 3 TTGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCC 5 171 172 CCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGU AL-DP-4074 S 538 5 UGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGU 3 ++ + AS 539 3 GGACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCA 5 AL-DP-4090 S 540 5 UGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGATT 3 ++ ++ AS 541 3 TTACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCCU 5 172 173 CUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUA AL-DP-4039 S 542 5 GGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUA 3 ++ ++ AS 543 3 GACCACCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAU 5 AL-DP-4091 S 544 5 GGUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGTT 3 + + AS 545 3 TTCCACCUGUAGAAGGUCCUC 5 175 176 GUGGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCC AL-DP-4003 S 546 5 GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCC 3 ++ ++ AS 547 3 CCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUGGG 5 AL-DP-4116 S 548 5 GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCC 3 + NA AS 549 3 CCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUGGG 5 AL-DP-4015 S 550 5 GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACTT 3 ++ ++ AS 551 3 TTCCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUG 5 AL-DP-4120 S 552 5 GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUAC 3 + NA AS 553 3 CCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUG 5 179 180 ACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAU AL-DP-4099 S 554 5 AUCUUCCAGGAGUACCCUGAU 3 +++ NA AS 555 3 UGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUGGGACUA 5 191 192 AGUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUAC AL-DP-4032 S 556 5 UACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUTT 3 +++ NA AS 557 3 TTAUGGGACUACUCUAGCUCA 5 192 193 GUACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACA AL-DP-4042 S 558 5 ACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUACA 3 +++ NA AS 559 3 CAUGGGACUACUCUAGCUCAUGU 5 AL-DP-4063 S 560 5 ACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUATT 3 +++ NA AS 561 3 TTUGGGACUACUCUAGCUCAU 5 209 210 AGUACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUGU AL-DP-4064 S 562 5 UACAUCUUCAAGCCAUCCUTT 3 + NA AS 563 3 TTAUGUAGAAGUUCGGUAGGA 5 260 261 GCAAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGU AL-DP-4044 S 564 5 AAUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGU 3 + NA AS 565 3 CGUUACUGCUCCCGGACCUCACA 5 263 264 AUGACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUG AL-DP-4045 S 566 5 GACGAGGGCCUGGAGUGUGUG 3 + NA AS 567 3 UACUGCUCCCGGACCUCACACAC 5 279 280 GUGUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCA AL-DP-4046 S 568 5 GUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCA 3 +++ NA AS 569 3 CACACACGGGUGACUCCUCAGGU 5 281 282 GUGUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAAC AL-DP-4096 S 570 5 GUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAAC 3 +++ NA AS 571 3 CACACGGGUGACUCCUCAGGUUG 5 283 284 GUGCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAU AL-DP-4040 S 572 5 GCCCACUGAGGAGUCCAACAU 3 +++ NA AS 573 3 CACGGGUGACUCCUCAGGUUGUA 5 289 290 ACUGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCAU AL-DP-4065 S 574 5 UGAGGAGUCCAACAUCACCTT 3 + NA AS 575 3 TTACUCCUCAGGUUGUAGUGG 5 302 303 ACAUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGG AL-DP-4100 S 576 5 AUCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGG 3 ++ NA AS 577 3 UGUAGUGGUACGUCUAAUACGCC 5 305 306 UCACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUC AL-DP-4033 S 578 5 ACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGATT 3 ++ NA AS 579 3 TTUGGUACGUCUAAUACGCCU 5 310 311 AUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACC AL-DP-4101 S 580 5 GCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACC 3 +++ NA AS 581 3 UACGUCUAAUACGCCUAGUUUGG 5 312 313 GCAGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUC AL-DP-4102 S 582 5 AGAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUC 3 +++ NA AS 583 3 CGUCUAAUACGCCUAGUUUGGAG 5 315 316 GAUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACC AL-DP-4034 S 584 5 UUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCATT 3 ++ NA AS 585 3 TTAAUACGCCUAGUUUGGAGU 5 316 317 AUUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCA AL-DP-4113 S 586 5 UAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACTT 3 ++ NA AS 587 3 TTAUACGCCUAGUUUGGAGUG 5 317 318 UUAUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAA AL-DP-4114 S 588 5 AUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCTT 3 + NA AS 589 3 TTUACGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGG 5 319 320 AUGCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGG AL-DP-4002 S 590 5 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGG 3 +++ +++ AS 591 3 UACGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUUCC 5 AL-DP-4115 S 592 5 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAA 3 +++ NA AS 593 3 CGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU 5 AL-DP-4014 S 594 5 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT 3 +++ +++ AS 595 3 TTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU 5 AL-DP-4119 S 596 5 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAA 3 +++ NA AS 597 3 CGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU 5 321 322 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCC AL-DP-4013 S 598 5 GGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGGCC 3 ++ NA AS 599 3 CGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUUCCGG 5 341 342 GCCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGC AL-DP-4075 S 600 5 CAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGC 3 +++ ++ AS 601 3 CGGUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCG 5 AL-DP-4105 S 602 5 CAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGATT 3 ++ ++ AS 603 3 TTGUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACU 5 342 343 CCAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCU AL-DP-4050 S 604 5 AGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCU 3 +++ +++ AS 605 3 GGUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGA 5 AL-DP-4106 S 606 5 AGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGTT 3 ++ +++ AS 607 3 TTUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUC 5 343 344 CAGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU AL-DP-4094 S 608 5 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU 3 +++ +++ AS 609 3 GUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAA 5 AL-DP-4118 S 610 5 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU 3 * NA AS 611 3 CGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAA 5 AL-DP-4107 S 612 5 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCTT 3 +++ +++ AS 613 3 TTCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCG 5 AL-DP-4122 S 614 5 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGC 3 ++ NA AS 615 3 CGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCG 5 344 345 AGCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUC AL-DP-4012 S 616 5 CACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUC 3 +++ +++ AS 617 3 UCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAAG 5 AL-DP-4108 S 618 5 CACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUTT 3 +++ +++ AS 619 3 TTGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGA 5 346 347 CACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCU AL-DP-4051 S 620 5 CAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCU 3 +++ +++ AS 621 3 GUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAAGGA 5 AL-DP-4061 S 622 5 CAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCTT 3 +++ +++ AS 623 3 TTGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAAG 5 349 350 AUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACA AL-DP-4082 S 624 5 AGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCCUACA 3 +++ NA AS 625 3 UAUCCUCUCUACUCGAAGGAUGU 5 369 370 ACAGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCA AL-DP-4079 S 626 5 AGCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCA 3 ++ NA AS 627 3 UGUCGUGUUGUUUACACUUACGU 5 372 373 GCACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGAC AL-DP-4097 S 628 5 ACAACAAAUGUGAAUGCAGAC 3 ++ NA AS 629 3 CGUGUUGUUUACACUUACGUCUG 5 379 380 AAAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAA AL-DP-4067 S 630 5 AUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGTT 3 ++ NA AS 631 3 TTUACACUUACGUCUGGUUUC 5 380 381 AAUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAA AL-DP-4092 S 632 5 UGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGATT 3 +++ NA AS 633 3 TTACACUUACGUCUGGUUUCU 5 381 382 AUGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG AL-DP-4004 S 634 5 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG 3 +++ ++ AS 635 3 UACACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUC 5 AL-DP-4117 S 636 5 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG 3 +++ NA AS 637 3 CACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUC 5 AL-DP-4016 S 638 5 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAATT 3 +++ +++ AS 639 3 TTCACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUU 5 AL-DP-4121 S 640 5 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAA 3 ++ NA AS 641 3 CACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUU 5 383 384 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAU AL-DP-4005 S 642 5 GAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGAU 3 +++ ++ AS 643 3 CACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUCUA 5 AL-DP-4053 S 644 5 GAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAGTT 3 +++ ++ AS 645 3 TTCUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUC 5

TABLE 3 Phosphorothioate stabilized siRNA Molecules are modified versions of AL-DP-4014. ORF Position Aln Duplex # Duplex Sequence SEQ ID NOs Efficacy 319 ALN-DP-4127 5′-G*C*GGAUCAAACCUCACCA*A*dT*dT-3′ 3′- 646 +++ dT*dT*C*GCCUAGUUUGGAGUGG*U*U-5′ 647 319 ALN-DP-4128 5′-G*C*GGAUCAAACCUC*ACC*A*A*dT*dT-3′ 648 +++ 3′-dT*dT*CGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGU*U-5′ 649 319 ALN-DP-4129 5′-G*C*GGAUCAAACCUC*ACC*A*A*dT*dT-3′ 650 +++ 3′-dT*dT*C*GCCUAGUUUGGAGUGG*U*U-5′ 651 *indicates the position of a phosphorothioate group

TABLE 4 In vitro efficacy of Modified AL-DP-4094 series 5′-sense strand-3′ SEQ ID SiRNA Efficacy 3′-antisense strand-5′ NOs AL-DP-4198 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4165 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4558 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAUCCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 654 AL-DP-4166 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4559 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAU_(OMe)CCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 655 AL-DP-4167 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4560 ′3- 656 GsU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAA-′5 AL-DP-4168 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4561 ′3- 657 GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGA A-′5 AL-DP-4169 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4562 ′3-GsU_(OMe)dCGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAdCUCGAA- 658 ′5 AL-DP-4170 AL4555 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(2′OMe)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 659 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4171 AL4555 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(2′OMe)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 659 AL4558 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAUCCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 654 AL-DP-4172 AL4555 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(2′OMe)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 659 AL4559 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAU_(OMe)CCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 655 AL-DP-4173 AL4555 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(2′OMe)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 659 AL4560 ′3- 656 GsU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAA-′5 AL-DP-4174 AL4555 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(2′OMe)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 659 AL4561 ′3- 657 GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGA A-′5 AL-DP-4175 AL4555 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(2′OMe)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 659 AL4562 ′3-GsU_(OMe)dCGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAdCUCGAA- 658 ′5 AL-DP-4176 AL4556 +++ 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 660 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4177 AL4556 +++ 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 660 AL4558 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAUCCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 654 AL-DP-4178 AL4556 +++ 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 660 AL4559 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAU_(OMe)CCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 655 AL-DP-4179 AL4556 +++ 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU- 660 3′ AL4560 ′3- 656 GsU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAA-′5 AL-DP-4180 AL4556 +++ 5′- 660 GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ AL4561 ′3- 657 GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGA A-′5 AL-DP-4181 AL4556 +++ 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU- 660 3′ AL4562 ′3-GsU_(OMe)dCGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAdCUCGAA- 658 ′5 AL-DP-4220 AL2780 +++ 5′-GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU- 1085 3′ AL2781 ′3- 995 GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAs A-′5 AL-DP-4182 AL4563 +++ 5′-G dC A dC AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 661 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4183 AL4563 +++ 5′-G dC A dC AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 661 AL4558 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAUCCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 654 AL-DP-4184 AL4563 +++ 5′-G dC A dC AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 661 AL4559 ′3-GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GUGUAU_(OMe)CCUCUCUACUGAsA-′5 655 AL-DP-4185 AL4563 +++ 5′-G dC A dC AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 661 AL4560 ′3- 656 GsU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAA-′5 AL-DP-4186 AL4563 +++ 5′-G dC A dC AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 661 AL4561 ′3- 657 GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGA A-′5 AL-DP-4187 AL4563 +++ 5′-G dC A dC AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 661 AL4562 ′3-GsU_(OMe)dCGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAdCUCGAA- 658 ′5 AL-DP-4188 AL4564 +++ 5′-GsCACAU_(F)AGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 662 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4189 AL4565 +++ 5′-GC_(F)AC_(F)AU_(F)AGGAGAGAU_(F)GAGCU_(F)sU-3′ 663 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4190 AL4566 +++ 5′-GC_(F)AC_(F)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU-3′ 664 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4191 AL4567 +++ 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(F)AGGAGAGAU_(F)GAGCU_(F)sU-3′ 665 AL4557 ′3-GsUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAsA-′5 653 AL-DP-4192 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4568 ′3-GsU_(F)CGU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCGAA-′5 666 AL-DP-4193 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4569 ′3-GsU_(F)CGU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAA-′5 667 AL-DP-4194 AL4554 +++ 5′-GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU-3′ 652 AL4570 ′3-GsU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCGAA- 668 ′5 AL-DP-4197 AL4556 ND 5′-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU- 660 3′ AL4568 ′3-GsU_(F)CGU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCGAA-′5 666 AL-DP-4221 AL2780 +++ 5′-GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU- 669 3′ AL2782 ′3-GsU_(F)CGU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCGAsA-′5 670 “Atugen Design” based on single overhang AL-DP-4195 AL4571 + 5′-GcAcAuAgGaGaGaUgAgCusU-3′ 1089 AL4572 ′3-gsUcGuGuAuCcUcUcUaCuCgAa-′5 672 d deoxynucleotide OMe 2′O-Methyl F 2′Fluoro s phosphorothioate linkage N Mismatches in scrambled controls

TABLE 5 In vitro efficacy of siRNAs in HeLa cells Unmodified 5′-sense strand-3′ siRNA parent Strand # Efficacy 3′-antisense strand-5′ SEQ ID NOs AL-DP-4374 AL-DP-4055 AL2732 +++ 5′ CsAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCATsT 3′ 673 AL2740 3′ TsTGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGsU 5′ 674 AL-DP-4375 AL-DP-4015 AL2728 +++ 5′ GsGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACTsT 3′ 675 AL2730 3′ TsTCCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUsG 5′ 676 AL-DP-4379 AL-DP-4088 AL2963 +++ 5′ 677 C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGC_(OMe)U_(OMe) GC_(OMe)TsT3′ AL2964 3′ TsTGGU_(F)U_(F)C_(F)AC_(F)C_(F)AGGGU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)GAC_(F)G 5′ 678 AL-DP-4380 AL-DP-4014 AL2966 +++ 5′ 679 GC_(OMe)GGAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe) AATsT 3′ AL2967 3′ ′TsTC_(F)GC_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AGU_(F)U_(F)U_(F)GGAGU_(F)GGU_(F)U_(F′)5′ 680 AL-DP-4219 AL-DP-4004 AL2712 +++ 5′ GsUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAsG 3′ 681 AL2720 3′ UsACACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUsC 5′ 682 AL-DP-4140 AL-DP-4014 AL2281 − 5′ GsCsGGAACAAUCCUGACCAsAsTsT 3′ 683 AL2282 3′ TsTCGCCUUGUUAGGACUGGsUsU 5′ 684 OMe 2′O-Methyl F 2′Fluoro s phosphorothioate linkage N Mismatches in scrambled controls

TABLE 6 Oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate, 2′-O-methyl, and 2′-fluoro modifications and in vitro efficacy against VEGF. PARENT AL- AL- SEQ AL-DP-# DP- SQ ID in vitro and ORF # # DUPLEX SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS NOs Efficacy Mass 4103 4034 CCACCAUGCCAAGUGGUCCdTdT 685 ++ ORF 52 4132 dTdTGGUGGUACGGUUCACCAGG 686 4222 2510 CsC_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 687 − 6810.3 2511 dTsdTsGsG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AsG_(OMe)sG 688 6947.4 4223 2540 C_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 689 − 6824.3 2541 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sGsG_(OMe) 690 6961.4 4224 2510 CsC_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 687 +/− 6810.3 2541 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sGsG_(OMe) 690 6961.4 4225 2540 C_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 689 − 6824.3 2511 dTsdTsGsG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AsG_(OMe)sG 688 6947.4 4226 2570 C_(OMe)sC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)dTsdT 691 − 6790.4 2571 dTsdTGGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGsG 692 6885.4 4227 2600 CsC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GCC_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGUCCdTsdT 693 − 6706.2 2601 dTsdTGGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)UCAC_(OMe)CAGsG 694 6843.3 4228 2570 C_(OMe)sC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)dTsdT 691 − 6790.4 2631 dTsdTGGU_(F)GGU_(F)AC_(F)GGU_(F)U_(F)C_(F)AC_(F)C_(F)AGsG 695 6789.1 4229 2600 CsC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GCC_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGUCCdTsdT 693 + 6706.2 2661 dTsdTGGU_(F)GGU_(F)AC_(F)GGU_(F)UCAC_(F)CAGsG 696 6783.1 4088 4042 CCAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCdTdT 697 +++ ORF 60 4140 dTdTGGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACG 698 4230 2512 CsC_(OMe)sAA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 699 − 6866.3 2513 dTsdTsGsG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AsC_(OMe)sG 700 6906.4 4231 2542 C_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 701 − 6880.4 2543 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe) 702 6920.4 4232 2512 CsC_(OMe)sAA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 699 − 6866.3 2543 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe) 702 6920.4 4233 2542 C_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 701 − 6880.4 2513 dTsdTsGsG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AsC_(OMe)sG 700 6906.4 4234 2572 C_(OMe)sC_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)GC_(OMe)dTsdT 703 − 6832.4 2573 dTsdTGGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAC_(OMe)sG 704 6858.4 4235 2602 CsC_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGUCCC_(OMe)AGGCU_(OMe)GCdTsdT 705 + 6748.2 2603 dTsdTGGUUCAC_(OMe)CAGGGU_(OMe)CCGAC_(OMe)sG 706 6788.2 4236 2572 C_(OMe)sC_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)GC_(OMe)dTsdT 703 +++ 6832.4 2633 dTsdTGGU_(F)U_(F)C_(F)AC_(F)C_(F)AGGGU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)GAC_(OMe)sG 707 6750.1 4237 2602 CsC_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGUCCC_(OMe)AGGCU_(OMe)GCdTsdT 705 +++ 6748.2 2663 dTsdTGGU_(F)UCAC_(F)CAGGGU_(F)CCGAC_(F)sG 708 6740.1 4055 4043 CAAGUGGUCCCAGGCUGCAdTdT 709 +++ ORF 61 4141 dTdTGUUCACCAGGGUCCGACGU 710 4358 2736 CA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AdTsdT 711 − 2744 dTsdTGU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)U 712 4359 2737 C_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)dTsdT 713 − 2745 dTsdTG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe) 714 4360 2736 CA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AdTsdT 711 − 2745 dTsdTG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe) 714 4361 2737 C_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)dTsdT 713 − 2744 dTsdTGU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)U 712 4362 2735 C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AdTsdT 715 − 2743 dTsdTGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAC_(OMe)GU_(OMe) 716 4363 2734 C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGUCCC_(OMe)AGGCU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AdTsdT 717 − 2742 dTsdTGU_(OMe)UCAC_(OMe)CAGGGU_(OMe)CCGAC_(OMe)GU_(OMe) 718 4364 2735 C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AdTsdT 715 −? 2747 dTsdTGU_(F)U_(F)C_(F)AC_(F)C_(F)AGGGU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)GAC_(F)GU_(F) 719 4365 2734 C_(OMe)AAGU_(OMe)GGUCCC_(OMe)AGGCU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AdTsdT 717 +++ 2746 dTsdTGU_(F)UCAC_(F)CAGGGU_(F)CCGAC_(F)GU_(F) 720 4019 4003 AGAAUCAUCACGAAGUGGUdTdT 721 ++ ORF 102 4070 dTdTUCUUAGUAGUGCUUCACCA 722 4238 2514 AsG_(OMe)sAA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AUCA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)sUsdTsdT 723 − 6923.4 2515 dTsdTsUsC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CsC_(OMe)sA 724 6774.2 4239 2544 A_(OMe)sGsA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sdTsdT 725 − 6937.4 2545 dTsdTsU_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe) 726 6788.3 4240 2514 AsG_(OMe)sAA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AUCA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)sUsdTsdT 723 − 6923.4 2545 dTsdTsU_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe) 726 6788.3 4241 2544 A_(OMe)sGsA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sdTsdT 725 − 6937.4 2515 dTsdTsUsC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CsC_(OMe)sA 724 6774.2 4242 2574 A_(OMe)sGAAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GAAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)dTsdT 727 − 6847.4 2575 dTsdTU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)AGU_(OMe)AGU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)sA 728 6768.3 4243 2604 AsGAAUC_(OMe)AUC_(OMe)ACGAAGU_(OMe)GGUdTsdT 729 − 6791.2 2605 dTsdTUCUUAGU_(OMe)AGU_(OMe)GCUUCAC_(OMe)CsA 730 6642.1 4244 2574 A_(OMe)sGAAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GAAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)dTsdT 727 + 6847.4 2635 dTsdTU_(F)C_(F)U_(F)U_(F)AGU_(F)AGU_(F)GC_(OMe)U_(F)U_(F)C_(F)AC_(F)C_(F)sA 731 6624.0 4245 2604 AsGAAUC_(OMe)AUC_(OMe)ACGAAGU_(OMe)GGUdTsdT 729 ++ 6791.2 2665 dTsdTUCUUAGU_(F)AGU_(F)GCUUCAC_(F)CsA 732 6606.0 4111 4007 UGGAUGUCUAUCAGCGCAGdTdT 733 +++ ORF 129 4074 dTdTACCUACAGAUAGUCGCGUC 734 4246 2516 UsG_(OMe)sGA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sGsdTsdT 735 − 6892.3 2517 dTsdTsAsC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sC 736 6835.3 4247 2546 U_(OMe)sGsG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AsG_(OMe)sdTsdT 737 − 6906.4 2547 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sCC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)CG_(OMe)sUsC_(OMe) 738 6849.4 4248 2516 UsG_(OMe)sGA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sGsdTsdT 735 − 6892.3 2547 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sCC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)CG_(OMe)sUsC_(OMe) 738 6849.4 4249 2546 U_(OMe)sGsG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AsG_(OMe)sdTsdT 737 − 6906.4 2517 dTsdTsAsC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sC 736 6835.3 4250 2576 U_(OMe)sGGAU_(OMe)GUC_(OMe)U_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)A_(OMe)GdTsdT 739 − 6844.3 2577 dTsdTAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AGAU_(OMe)AGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)sC_(OMe) 740 6801.4 4251 2606 UsGGAU_(OMe)GUCU_(OMe)AUC_(OMe)AGCGC_(OMe)AGdTsdT 741 − 6788.2 2607 dTsdTAC_(OMe)CUAC_(OMe)AGAU_(OMe)AGU_(OMe)CGCGU_(OMe)sC 742 6731.2 4252 2576 U_(OMe)sGGAU_(OMe)GUC_(OMe)U_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)A_(OMe)GdTsdT 739 + 6844.3 2637 dTsdTAC_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)AGAU_(OMe)AGU_(F)C_(F)GC_(F)GU_(F)sC_(F) 743 6681.1 4253 2606 UsGGAU_(OMe)GUCU_(OMe)AUC_(OMe)AGCGC_(OMe)AGdTsdT 744 +++ 6788.2 2667 dTsdTAC_(F)CUAC_(F)AGAU_(F)AGU_(F)CGCGU_(F)sC 745 6671.1 4028 ++ 4014 UACUGCCAUCCAAUCGAGAdTdT 746 ORF 149 4081 dTdTAUGACGGUAGGUUAGCUCU 747 4254 2518 UsA_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 748 No data 6819.3 2519 dTsdTsAsU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sU 749 6893.3 4255 2548 U_(OMe)sAsC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 750 No data 6833.4 2549 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe) 751 6907.4 4256 2518 UsA_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 748 No data 6819.3 2549 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe) 751 6907.4 4257 2548 U_(OMe)sAsC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 750 No data 6833.4 2519 dTsdTsAsU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sU 749 6893.3 4258 2578 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)U_(OMe)GC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAGAdTsdT 752 − 6785.4 2579 dTsdTAU_(OMe)GAC_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)AGGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 753 6845.3 4259 2608 UsACU_(OMe)GCC_(OMe)AUCC_(OMe)AAUCGAGAdTsdT 754 ++ 6701.2 2609 dTsdTAU_(OMe)GAC_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)AGGU_(OMe)UAGCUCsU 755 6775.2 4260 2578 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)U_(OMe)GC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAGAdTsdT 752 + 6785.4 2639 dTsdTAU_(F)GAC_(F)GGU_(F)AGGU_(F)U_(F)AGC_(F)U_(F)C_(F)sU_(F) 756 6721.1 4261 2608 UsACU_(OMe)GCC_(OMe)AUCC_(OMe)AAUCGAGAdTsdT 754 + 6701.2 2669 dTsdTAU_(F)GAC_(F)GGU_(F)AGGU_(F)UAGCUCsU 757 6727.1 4060 4061 CCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCAdTdT 758 +++ ORF 168 4159 dTdTGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGU 759 4262 2520 CsC_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 760 − 6788.3 2521 dTsdTsGsG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GsG_(OMe)sU 761 6954.4 4263 2550 C_(OMe)sCsC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 762 − 6802.3 2551 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sGsU_(OMe) 763 6968.5 4264 2520 CsC_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 760 − 6788.3 2551 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sGsU_(OMe) 763 6968.5 4265 2550 C_(OMe)sCsC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 762 − 6802.3 2521 dTsdTsGsG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GsG_(OMe)sU 761 6954.4 4266 2580 C_(OMe)sC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)GGAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AdTsdT 764 − 6782.3 2581 dTsdTGGGAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AGAAGGsU_(OMe) 765 6878.4 4267 2610 CsCCU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)GGAC_(OMe)AUCUUCC_(OMe)AdTsdT 766 + 6670.1 2611 dTsdTGGGAC_(OMe)CAC_(OMe)CUGU_(OMe)AGAAGGsU_(OMe) 767 6836.3 4268 2580 C_(OMe)sC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)GGAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AdTsdT 764 ++ 6782.3 2641 dTsdTGGGAC_(F)C_(F)AC_(F)C_(F)U_(F)GU_(F)AGAAGGsU_(F) 768 6778.2 4269 2610 CsCCU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)GGAC_(OMe)AUCUUCC_(OMe)AdTsdT 766 + 6670.1 2671 dTsdTGGGAC_(F)CAC_(F)CUGU_(F)AGAAGGsU_(F) 769 6772.2 4015 4066 GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACdTdT 770 +++ ORF 175 4164 dTdTCCUGUAGAAGGUCCUCAUG 771 4270 2522 GsG_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 772 − 6875.4 2523 dTsdTsCsC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AsU_(OMe)sG 773 6852.3 4271 2552 G_(OMe)sGsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 774 − 6889.4 2553 dTsdTsC_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sUsG_(OMe) 775 6866.3 4272 2522 GsG_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 772 − 6875.4 2553 dTsdTsC_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sUsG_(OMe) 775 6866.3 4273 2552 G_(OMe)sGsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 774 − 6889.4 2523 dTsdTsCsC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AsU_(OMe)sG 773 6852.3 4274 2582 G_(OMe)sGAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGAGU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)dTsdT 776 − 6827.4 2583 dTsdTC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AGAAGGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)sG 777 6818.3 4275 2612 GsGAC_(OMe)AUCUUCC_(OMe)AGGAGU_(OMe)ACdTsdT 778 − 6743.2 2613 dTsdTCCUGU_(OMe)AGAAGGU_(OMe)CCUCAU_(OMe)sG 779 6720.1 4276 2582 G_(OMe)sGAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGGAGU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)dTsdT 776 − 6827.4 2643 dTsdTC_(F)C_(F)U_(F)GU_(F)AGAAGGU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)AU_(F)sG 780 6698.0 4277 2612 GsGAC_(OMe)AUCUUCC_(OMe)AGGAGU_(OMe)ACdTsdT 778 +++ 6743.2 2673 dTsdTCCUGU_(F)AGAAGGU_(F)CCUCAU_(F)sG 781 6684.0 4032 4025 UACCCUGAUGAGAUCGAGUdTdT 782 +++ ORF 191 4092 dTdTAUGGGACUACUCUAGCUCA 783 4278 2524 UsA_(OMe)sCC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sUsdTsdT 784 + 6876.3 2525 dTsdTsAsU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sA 785 6836.3 4279 2554 U_(OMe)sAsC_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sdTsdT 786 + 6890.4 2555 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe) 787 6850.3 4280 2524 UsA_(OMe)sCC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sUsdTsdT 784 ++ 6876.3 2555 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe) 787 6850.3 4281 2554 U_(OMe)sAsC_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sdTsdT 786 − 6890.4 2525 dTsdTsAsU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sA 785 6836.3 4282 2584 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GAU_(OMe)GAGAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAGU_(OMe)dTsdT 788 − 6828.3 2585 dTsdTAU_(OMe)GGGACU_(OMe)ACUCU_(OMe)AGCUC_(OMe)sA 789 6802.3 4283 2614 UsACCCU_(OMe)GAU_(OMe)GAGAUCGAGUdTsdT 790 +++ 6744.2 2615 dTsdTAU_(OMe)GGGAC_(OMe)UAC_(OMe)UCUAGCUCsA 791 6704.1 4284 2584 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GAU_(OMe)GAGAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAGU_(OMe)dTsdT 788 +++ 6828.3 2645 dTsdTAU_(F)GGGAC_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AGC_(F)U_(F)C_(F)sA 792 6682.0 4285 2614 UsACCCU_(OMe)GAU_(OMe)GAGAUCGAGUdTsdT 790 ++ 6744.2 2675 dTsdTAU_(F)GGGAC_(F)UAC_(F)UCUAGCUCsA 793 6668.0 4033 4026 ACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGAdTdT 794 ++ ORF 305 4093 dTdTUGGUACGUCUAAUACGCCU 795 4286 2526 AsC_(OMe)sCA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 796 ++ 6899.4 2527 dTsdTsUsG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)CsC_(OMe)sU 797 6813.3 4287 2556 A_(OMe)sCsC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 798 + 6913.4 2557 dTsdTsU_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe) 799 6827.3 4288 2526 AsC_(OMe)sCA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 796 − 6899.4 2557 dTsdTsU_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe) 799 6827.3 4289 2556 A_(OMe)sCsC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 798 − 6913.4 2527 dTsdTsUsG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)CsC_(OMe)sU 797 6813.3 4290 2586 A_(OMe)sCC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAU_(OMe)U_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GGAdTsdT 800 − 6837.4 2587 dTsdTU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)AAU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)C_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 801 6793.3 4291 2616 AsCC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAUU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GCGGAdTsdT 802 − 6795.3 2617 dTsdTUGGU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CUAAU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GCCsU 803 6709.2 4292 2586 A_(OMe)sCC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAU_(OMe)U_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GGAdTsdT 800 +++ 6837.4 2647 dTsdTU_(F)GGU_(F)AC_(F)GU_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AAU_(F)A_(F)C_(F)GC_(F)C_(F)sU_(F) 804 6645 4293 2616 AsCC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAUU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GCGGAdTsdT 802 +++ 6795.3 2677 dTsdTUGGU_(F)AC_(F)GU_(F)CUAAU_(F)AC_(F)GCCsU 805 6649.0 4014 4112 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT 806 +++ ORF 319 4180 dTdTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU 807 4294 2528 GsC_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 808 + 6841.4 2529 dTsdTsCsG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sU 809 6886.3 4295 2558 G_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 810 − 6855.4 2559 dTsdTsC_(OMe)sGC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)sUsU_(OMe) 811 6900.3 4296 2528 GsC_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 808 − 6841.4 2559 dTsdTsC_(OMe)sGC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)sUsU_(OMe) 811 6900.3 4297 2558 G_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 810 − 6855.4 2529 dTsdTsCsG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sU 809 6886.3 4298 2588 G_(OMe)sC_(OMe)GGAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAdTsdT 812 − 6793.4 2589 dTsdTC_(OMe)GC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)AGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)GGAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 813 6852.3 4299 2618 GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AAdTsdT 814 − 6709.2 2619 dTsdTCGCCUAGU_(OMe)UUGGAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)sU 815 6754.1 4300 2588 G_(OMe)sC_(OMe)GGAU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAdTsdT 812 + 6793.4 2649 dTsdTC_(F)GC_(F)C_(F)U_(OMe)AGU_(F)U_(F)U_(F)GGAGU_(F)GGU_(F)sU_(F) 816 6716.0 4301 2618 GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AAdTsdT 814 +++ 6709.2 2679 dTsdTCGCCUAGU_(F)UUGGAGU_(F)GGU_(F)sU 817 6718.0 4123 4362 ACCUCACCAAGGCCAGCACdTdT 818 ++ ORF 330 4363 dTdTUGGAGUGGUUCCGGUCGUG 819 4302 2530 AsC_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 820 + 6816.4 2531 dTsdTsUsG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sG 821 6941.3 4303 2560 A_(OMe)sCsC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 822 − 6830.4 2561 dTsdTsU_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)sUsG_(OMe) 823 6955.4 4304 2530 AsC_(OMe)sCU_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 820 − 6816.4 2561 dTsdTsU_(OMe)sGG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)sUsG_(OMe) 823 6955.4 4305 2560 A_(OMe)sCsC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 822 − 6830.4 2531 dTsdTsUsG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GsU_(OMe)sG 821 6941.3 4306 2590 A_(OMe)sC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAGGC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)dTsdT 824 − 6782.4 2591 dTsdTU_(OMe)GGAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)sG_(OMe) 825 6893.3 4307 2620 AsCCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AAGGCC_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)ACdTsdT 826 − 6698.2 2621 dTsdTUGGAGU_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)UCCGGU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)sG 827 6823.2 4308 2590 A_(OMe)sC_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAGGC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)dTsdT 824 − 6782.4 2651 dTsdTU_(F)GGAGU_(F)GGU_(F)U_(F)C_(F)C_(F)GGU_(F)C_(F)GU_(F)sG_(OMe) 828 6785.1 4309 2620 AsCCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AAGGCC_(OMe)AGC_(OMe)ACdTsdT 826 + 6698.2 2681 dTsdTUGGAGU_(F)GGU_(F)UCCGGU_(F)CGU_(F)sG 829 6775.1 4094so 4326 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU 608 +++ ORF 343 4327 GUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAA 609 4310 2532 GsC_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe)sU 832 − 7019.5 2533 GsU_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sA 833 7487.6 4311 2562 G_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsC_(OMe)sUsU_(OMe) 834 − 7033.5 2563 C_(OMe)sGsU_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)sAsA_(OMe) 835 7501.7 4312 2532 GsC_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe)sU 832 − 7019.5 2563 C_(OMe)sGsU_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)sAsA_(OMe) 835 7501.7 4313 2562 G_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsC_(OMe)sUsU_(OMe) 834 − 7033.5 2533 GsU_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sA 833 7487.6 4314 2592 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 836 + 6929.4 2593 GsU_(OMe)C_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)A 837 7495.8 C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAsA 4315 2622 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCUsU 838 +++ 6887.3 2623 GsU_(OMe)CGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAsA 839 7355.5 4316 2592 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 836 +++ 6929.4 2653 GsU_(F)C_(F)GU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)U_(F)C_(F)GAsA 840 7283.3 4317 2622 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCUsU 838 + 6887.3 2683 GsU_(F)CGU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCGAsA 841 7291.3 4107do 4117 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCdTdT 842 +++ ORF 343 4185 dTdTCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCG 843 4318 2534 GsC_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 844 + 7001.5 2535 dTsdTsCsG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sG 845 6726.2 4319 2564 G_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 846 − 7015.5 2565 dTsdTsC_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe) 847 6740.2 4320 2534 GsC_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 844 − 7001.5 2565 dTsdTsC_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)sCsG_(OMe) 847 6740.2 4321 2564 G_(OMe)sCsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 846 − 7015.5 2535 dTsdTsCsG_(OMe)UG_(OMe)UA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sG 845 6726.2 4322 2594 G_(OMe)sC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)dTsdT 848 − 6897.4 2595 dTsdTC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)AC_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)sG 849 6748.3 4323 2624 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCdTsdT 850 +++ 6883.3 2625 dTsdTCGU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCsG 851 6608.0 4324 2594 G_(OMe)sC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)dTsdT 848 +++ 6897.4 2655 dTsdTC_(F)GU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)U_(F)C_(F)sG 852 6579.9 4325 2624 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCdTsdT 850 +++ 6883.3 2685 dTsdTCGU_(F)GU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCsG 853 6559.9 4061 4119 CAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCdTdT 854 +++ ORF 346 4187 dTdTGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAAG 855 4326 2536 CsA_(OMe)sUA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 856 + 6939.4 2537 dTsdTsGsU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AsA_(OMe)sG 857 6773.2 4327 2566 C_(OMe)sAsU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 858 − 6953.4 2567 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sUA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)sAsG_(OMe) 859 6787.3 4328 2536 CsA_(OMe)sUA_(OMe)GG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)sCsdTsdT 856 − 6939.4 2567 dTsdTsG_(OMe)sUA_(OMe)UC_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)GA_(OMe)sAsG_(OMe) 859 6787.3 4329 2566 C_(OMe)sAsU_(OMe)AG_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)AG_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sdTsdT 858 − 6953.4 2537 dTsdTsGsU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)CG_(OMe)AsA_(OMe)sG 857 6773.2 4330 2596 C_(OMe)sAU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)dTsdT 860 − 6863.4 2597 dTsdTGU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)AC_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)GAAsG 861 6767.3 4331 2626 CsAU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCUUCdTsdT 862 ++ 6807.2 2627 dTsdTGU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)CCUCUCUAC_(OMe)UCGAAsG 863 6641.1 4332 2596 C_(OMe)sAU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)dTsdT 864 ++ 6863.4 2657 dTsdTGU_(F)AU_(F)C_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)U_(F)C_(F)GAAsG 865 6623.0 4333 2626 CsAU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCUUCdTsdT 862 +++ 6807.2 2687 dTsdTGU_(F)AU_(F)CCUCUCUAC_(F)UCGAAsG 866 6605.0 4092 4123 UGUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAdTdT 867 +++ ORF 380 4191 dTdTACACUUACGUCUGGUUUCU 868 4334 2538 UsG_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 869 + 6946.5 2539 dTsdTsAsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sU 870 6751.2 4335 2568 U_(OMe)sGsU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 871 − 6960.5 2569 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sCA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe) 872 6765.2 4336 2538 UsG_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)sAsdTsdT 869 − 6946.5 2569 dTsdTsA_(OMe)sCA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)sCsU_(OMe) 872 6765.2 4337 2568 U_(OMe)sGsU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GsA_(OMe)sdTsdT 871 + 6960.5 2539 dTsdTsAsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UsC_(OMe)sU 870 6751.2 4338 2598 U_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAGAdTsdT 873 − 6856.4 2599 dTsdTACAC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 874 6759.3 4339 2628 UsGU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGACC_(OMe)AAAGAdTsdT 875 − 6842.3 2629 dTsdTAC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UUAC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CUGGU_(OMe)UUCsU 876 6647.1 4340 2598 U_(OMe)sGU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAGAdTsdT 873 +++ 6856.4 2659 dTsdTAC_(F)AC_(F)U_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)GU_(F)C_(F)U_(F)GGU_(F)U_(F)U_(F)C_(F)sU_(F) 877 6586.9 4341 2628 UsGU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGACC_(OMe)AAAGAdTsdT 875 ++ 6842.3 2689 dTsdTAC_(F)AC_(F)UUAC_(F)GU_(F)CUGGU_(F)UUCsU 878 6586.9 4004 so 4338 GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG 879 +++ ORF 381 4339 UACACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUC 880 4366 2716 GsU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)sG 881 + 2724 UsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)sC 882 4367 2717 G_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AsG_(OMe) 883 − 2725 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UsC_(OMe) 884 4368 2716 GsU_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AC_(OMe)CA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)AA_(OMe)sG 881 + 2725 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)GG_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UU_(OMe)UsC_(OMe) 884 4369 2717 G_(OMe)sUG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)UG_(OMe)CA_(OMe)GA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AG_(OMe)AA_(OMe)AsG_(OMe) 883 + 2724 UsA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UA_(OMe)CG_(OMe)UC_(OMe)UG_(OMe)GU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)CU_(OMe)UU_(OMe)sC 882 4370 2715 GsU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAGAAAsG 885 − 2723 U_(OMe)sAC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)AC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GG 886 U_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMes)C_(OMe) 4371 2714 GsU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGACC_(OMe)AAAGAAAsG 887 +++ 2722 UsACAC_(OMe)UUAC_(OMe)GU_(OMe)CUGGU_(OMe)UUCUUUsC 888 4372 2715 GsU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAAGAAAsG 885 +++ 2727 U_(F)sAC_(F)AC_(F)U_(F)U_(F)AC_(F)GU_(F)C_(F)U_(F)GGU_(F)U_(F)U_(F)C_(F)U_(F)U_(F)U_(F)sC_(F) 889 4373 2714 GsU_(OMe)GAAU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGACC_(OMe)AAAGAAAsG 887 ++ 2726 UsACAC_(F)UUAC_(F)GU_(F)CUGGU_(F)UUCUUUsC 890 Duplexes are shown with the sense strand written 5′ to 3′. The complementary antisense strand is written below the sense strand in the 3′ to 5′ direction. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy nucleotide; all other positions are ribo. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Subscript “OMe” indicates a 2′-O-methyl sugar and subscript “F” indicates a 2′-fluoro modified sugar. The extinction coefficient is the value at 260 nm (*10⁻³).

TABLE 7 Oligonucleotides with alternating 2′-O-methyl and 2′-fluoro modifications targeting VEGF (SEQ ID NOs 891-908), respectively. Ex- tinc- tion Parent Co- AL- AL- AL- Effi- Observed OD/ effi- DP-# DP-# SQ-# Duplex Sequence and Modifications cacy Mass mg cient 4060 4399 3082 C_(OMe)sC_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)C_(F)sA_(Ome) − 6151.47 27.5 169 3091 G_(F)sG_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)G_(OMe)sU_(F) 4015 4400 3083 G_(OMe)sG_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)sC_(OMe) + 6238.49 29 186 3092 C_(F)sC_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)sG_(F) 4032 4401 3084 U_(OMe)sA_(F)C_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)sU_(OMe) +++ 6239.47 31.8 188 3093 A_(F)sU_(OMe)G_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)sA_(F) 4033 4402 3085 A_(OMe)sC_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)C_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)sA_(OMe) + 6262.54 30.7 194 3094 U_(F)sG_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)G_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)sU_(F) 4014 4403 3086 G_(OMe)sC_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)sA_(OMe) ++ 6204.65 26.4 190 3095 C_(F)sG_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)UsU_(F) 4094so 4404 3087 G_(OMe)sC_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)sC_(OMe) + 6364.57 31.3 206 3096 C_(F)sG_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)sG_(F) 4061 4405 3088 C_(OMe)sA_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)sC_(OMe) +++ 6302.59 32.8 198 3097 G_(F)sU_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)sG_(F) 4092 4406 3089 U_(OMe)sG_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)A_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)C_(F)A_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)sA_(OMe) ++ 6309.63 33.6 207 3098 A_(F)sC_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)U_(OMe)A_(F)C_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)G_(F)G_(OMe)U_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)sU_(F) 4004 4407 3090 G_(OMe)sU_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)C_(F)A_(OMe)G_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)C_(OMe)A_(F)A_(OMe)A_(F)G_(OMe)A_(F)sA_(OMe) +++ 6332.67 30.5 213 so 3099 C_(F)sA_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)A_(OMe)C_(F)G_(OMe)U_(F)C_(OMe)U_(F)G_(OMe)G_(F)U_(OMe)U_(F)U_(OMe)C_(F)U_(OMe)sU_(F) Duplexes are shown with the sense strand written 5′ to 3′. The complementary antisense strand is written below the sense strand in the 3′ to 5′ direction. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Subscript “OMe” indicates a 2′-O-methyl sugar and subscript “F” indicates a 2′-fluoro modified sugar. The parent duplexes had unpaired nucleotides at one or both ends of the duplex. These duplexes have blunt ends. The extinction coefficient is the value at 260 nm (*10⁻³).

TABLE 8A-B Cholesterol and cholanic acid conjugates of active VEGF sequences (single strands) (SEQ ID NOs 909-922, respectively). PARENT Calcu- AL- AL- lated Found DP-# SQ # Strand SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS Mass Mass Purity OD 4014 2363 sense GsCsGGAUCAAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AsAsdTsdTs-Chol 7466.5 7463.8 98.2 4014 2697 sense Chol-sGsCGGAUC_(OMe)AA ACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AadTsdT 7232.3 7430.3 98.0 4014 2698 sense Chol-sGsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAdTsdT 7446.3 7444.3 91.0 4014 2699 sense GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AadTs-Chol 7265.7 7265.7 98.0 4060 4940 sense Chol- 100 550 C_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)GGAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AdTsdT 4060 2641 sense Chol- 100 583 sC_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)GGU_(OMe)GGAC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)C_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)C_(OMe)AdTsdT 4033 4935 sense Chol-A_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAU_(OMe)U_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GGAdTsdT 100 562 4033 4941 sense Chol-sA_(OMe)CC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)AGAU_(OMe)U_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)GGAdTsdT 100 480 4061 4936 sense Chol-C_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)dTsdT 100 532 4061 4942 sense Chol-sC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)U_(OMe)C_(OMe)dTsdT 98.2 514 4094 2965 sense Chol-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 7205.7 7205.4 89.0 4014 2701 sense GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AAdTs-Cholanic 7219.8 7219.4 88.2 4014 2702 sense GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAdTs-Cholanic 7276.3 7274.9 71.3 4014 2696 anti- Us^(5Me)U_(F)GG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGGU^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCCGCdTs-Cholanic sense Table 8B PARENT SEQ Calcu- AL- AL- AL- ID lated Found DP-# DP-# SQ # Strand SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS NO: Efficacy Mass Mass Purity 4014 4206 2363 sense GsCsGGAUCAAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AsAsdTsdTs-Chol 909 + 7466.5 7463.8 98.2 2381 as UsUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCdTsdT 923 4014 4351 2697 sense Chol-sGsCGGAUC_(OMe)AA ACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AadTsdT 910 − 7232.3 7430.3 98.0 4180 as UUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCTT 924 4014 4352 2698 sense Chol-sGsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAdTsdT 911 − 7446.3 7444.3 91.0 4180 as UUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCTT 924 4014 4353 2699 sense GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AadTs-Chol 912 ++ 7265.7 7265.7 98.0 4180 UUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCTT 924 4094 4381 2965 sense Chol-GC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGC_(OMe)U_(OMe)sU_(OMe) 919 ++ 7205.7 7205.4 89.0 2945 as AAGfCfUfCAfUfCfUfCfUfCfCfUAfUGfUGfCfUsG 925 4014 4209 2701 sense GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AAdTs-Cholanic 926 ++ 7219.8 7219.4 88.2 2381 as UsUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCdTsdT 927 4014 4210 2702 sense GsCGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AAdTs-Cholanic 928 ++ 7276.3 7274.9 71.3 2381 as UsUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCdTsdT 923 4014 4357 4112 sense GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT 929 +++ 2696 anti- Us^(5Me)U_(F)GG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGGU^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCCGCdTs-Cholanic 922 sense 4094 4390 2949 ss Chol-G_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UsU 930 +++ 2945 as AAGfCfUfCAfUfCfUfCfUfCfCfUAfUGfUGfCfUsG 925 4094 4391 2950 ss Gs_(OMe)sCA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UU-Chol 931 +++ 2945 as AAGfCfUfCAfUfCfUfCfUfCfCfUAfUGfUGfCfUsG 925 4094 4392 2951 ss Thio-Chol-G_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UsU 932 +++ 2945 as AAGfCfUfCAfUfCfUfCfUfCfCfUAfUGfUGfCfUsG 925 4094 4393 2948 ss Chol-G_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UU-NH2 933 +++ 2945 as AAGfCfUfCAfUfCfUfCfUfCfCfUAfUGfUGfCfUsG 925 4094 4394 2949 ss Chol-G_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UsU 930 +++ 4327 as AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCUG 934 4094 4395 2950 ss Gs_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UU-Chol 931 +++ 4327 as AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCUG 934 4094 4396 2951 ss Thio-Chol-G_(OMe)CA_(OMe)CA_(OMe)UAGGAGAGA_(OMe)UGAGC_(OMe)UsU 932 +++ 4327 as AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCUG 934 The strands are shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. The lower case “d” indicates a deoxy residue. Subscript “OMe” indicates a 2′-O-methyl sugar. Subscript “F” indicates a 2′-fluoro. “Chol-” indicates a hydroxyprolinol cholesterol conjugate. “Cholanic” indicates a cholanic acid conjugate. “^(5Me)U” indicates a 5-methyl-uridine.

TABLE 9 Naproxen conjugates of active VEGF sequence. PARENT Calculated Found AL-DP-# AL-DP-# AL-SQ # SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS Efficacy Mass Mass Purity 4014 4355 2694 as Us^(5Me)U_(F)GG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGGU^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCCGCdTsdTs- +++ 7269.4 7270.7 80.1 Naproxen (SEQ ID NO: 935) 4112 ss GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT (SEQ ID NO: 929) The antisense strand of the duplex is shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy. Subscript “F” indicates a 2′-fluor sugar. “^(5Me)U” indicates a 5-methyl-uridine. “Naproxen” indicates a naproxen conjugated to the oligonucleotide through a serinol linker.

TABLE 10 Biotin conjugates of active oligonucleotides targeting VEGF. PARENT AL- AL- Calc. Exp. AL-DP-# DP-# SQ-# Strand Sequence and Modifications Efficacy Mass Mass Purity 4014 4356 4112 sense 5 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT 3 (SEQ ID NO: 929) +++ 2695 antis Us^(5Me)U_(F)GG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGGU^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCCGCdTsdTs- 7285.4 7284.3 70.2 Biotin (SEQ ID NO: 936) 4220 3071 sense AsAGCUC_(OMe)AUCUCUCCU_(OMe)AU_(OMe)GU_(OMe)GC_(OMe)U_(Ome)sGs- Used for 7872.1 7871.89 82.02 Biotin (SEQ ID NO: 937) ELISA The oligonucleotides are written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy. Subscript “OMe” indicates a 2′-O-methyl sugar and subscript “F” indicates a 2′-fluoro modified sugar. “^(5Me)U” indicates a 5-methyl uridine.

TABLE 11a-b Conjugation of aldehydes, Retinal and other Retinoids to VEGF siRNAs and model oligonucleotides. Found CGE Sequence ID Sequence* Cal Mass Mass (%) AL-3174 Q25-dTdTdTdTdTdT dTdTdTdTdTdT (SEQ ID NO: 1088) 3767.22 3769.09 A AL-3175 Q26-dTdTdTdTdTdT dTdTdTdTdTdT (SEQ ID NO: 1088) 3980.07 3981.37 A AL-3176 Q27-dTdTdTdTdTdT dTdTdTdTdTdT (SEQ ID NO: 1088) 4034.24 4035.56 A AL-4326 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU (SEQ ID NO: 608) 6799.22 6798.88 A AL-3177 Q25-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU (SEQ ID NO: 938) B A AL-3178 Q27-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU (SEQ ID NO: 941) 7246.66 7246.53 97%^(C) AL-3166 GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU (SEQ ID NO: 1090) 6815.16 6815.10 A AL-3184 Q25-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU (SEQ ID NO: 996) 6995.16 B A AL-3185 Q27-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU (SEQ ID NO: 1066) 7261.6 7262.47 97.8^(C) AL-3193 Q28-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU (SEQ ID NO: 1067) 7277.61 E F AL-3211 GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCsU (SEQ ID NO: 940) 6785.10 B A AL-3212 Q25-GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCsU (SEQ ID NO: 1068) 6965.10 G G AL-3213 Q27-GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCsU (SEQ ID NO: 1069) 7231.54 G G AL-3214 Q26-GAACUGUGUGUGAGAGGUCCsU (SEQ ID NO: 1070) 7177.37 G G Table 11. b AL-DP-# AL-SQ-# 5′-3′ Sequence Comments AL-DP-4410 AL3178 Q27-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU (SEQ ID NO: 941) 5′Retinal4094 AL4327 AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCUG (SEQ ID NO: 609) AL-DP-4413 AL3185 Q27-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUsU (SEQ ID NO: 1066) 5′Retinal, 3′PS 4094 AL3167 AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCUsG (SEQ ID NO: 942) Q25 = aminooxy-linker Q26 = 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde-aminooxy Q27 = all-trans-retinal-aminooxy Q28 = 4-keto-retinol (A) These samples were not purified and thus no CGE analysis. (B) These samples were not analyzed as they were used in the conjugation reaction in the next step. (C) There are two isomers (E and Z) and while two peaks were seen in the CGE, only one peak was seen in the LC/MS with one mass only. The CGE % therefore is the areas of the two peaks in the CGE added together. (D) Only a little bit of the desired product was present in the crude mixture. (E) Two peaks in the LC/MS were seen with masses of 7276.42 and 7277.72. The masses can be explained by the easy oxidization of retinal to retinal. (F) The two main products are 33% and 67% by CGE. (G) To be determined.

TABLE 12 Polyethylene glycol conjugates of active VEGF sequences and control conjugates. PARENT HPLC AL- AL-SQ MW MW retention Starting % DP-# # Strand¹ SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS Expected Observed² time amount Yield 4094 3194 VEGF GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGACGUUs- 7107.46 7107.2  37.497 466.67 mg     25.9 sense HP-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 943) 4094 3195 VEGF GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGACGUUs- 27213.19 28333.51-29614.44 31.283 50 mg 33.8 sense HP-NH2-20KPEG (SEQ ID NO: 1071) 5167 3164 control GsUCAUCACACUGAAUACCAAU- 6932.33 6932.15 19.733 491.4 mg    34.7 HP-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 944) 5167 3170 control GsUCAUCACACUGAAUACCAAU- 11746.19 11000-13000 16.822 50 mg 38.4 HP-NH2-5KPEG (SEQ ID NO: 1072) 5167 3171 control GsUCAUCACACUGAAUACCAAU- 26746.19 27456-29524 16.164 50 mg 39.2 HP-NH2-20KPEG (SEQ ID NO: 1073) 1000 2936 control NH2-HP- 6915.3 6915.01 20.506 CUUACGCUGAGUACUUCGAdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 945) 1000 3187 control 5KPEG-NH2-HP- 12021.46 11847-13256 17.829 50 mg 39.2 CUUACGCUGAGUACUUCGAdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 1074) 1000 3188 control 20KPEG-NH2-HP- 27021.46 27440-29289 16.921 50 mg 33.6 CUUACGCUGAGUACUUCGAdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 1075) 1000 2937 control CsUUACGCUGAGUACUUCGAdTdT- 6915.3 6915.06 20.537 HP-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 946) 1000 3172 control CsUUACGCUGAGUACUUCGAdTdT- 12021.46 12300-13034 17.578 50 mg 48.0 HP-NH2-5KPEG (SEQ ID NO: 1076) 1000 3173 control CsUUACGCUGAGUACUUCGAdTdT- 27021.46 27000-29000 17.087 50 mg 52.0 HP-NH2-20KPEG (SEQ ID NO: 1077) The strands are shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. The lower case “d” indicates a deoxy residue. “HP-NH2” or “NH2-HP” indicates a hydroxyprolinol amine conjugate used as a control. “HP-NH2-20KPEG” or “20KPEG-NH2-HP” indicates conjugation to polyethylene glycol (20K) through the hydroxyprolinol linker. “HP-NH2-5KPEG” or 5KPEG-NH2-HP” indicates conjugation to polyethylene glycol (5K) through the hydroxyprolinol linker. ¹The control in this column indicates that the oligonucleotide is not complementary to VEGF. Oligonucleotides 3164, 3170, and 3171 target ApoB and oligonucleotides 2936, 3187, 3188, 2937, 3172, and 3173 target luciferase. ²The range in observed molecular weight is due to the polydispersity of PEG starting material.

TABLE 13 Oligonucleotides targeting VEGF with the ribo-difluorotoluyl modification. SEQ PARENT AL- AL- ID Duplex Sequence AL-DP-# DP-# SQ-# NOs and Modifications Type In vitro efficacy T_(m )(° C.) 4014 4014 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Control +++ 80 4180 807 dTdTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU 4014 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Mismatch + 75 2957 947 dTdTCGCCUAGUUAGGAGUGGUU antisense 4014 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Mismatch + 75 2958 948 dTdTCGCCUAGUUGGGAGUGGUU antisense 4014 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Mismatch ++ 75 2959 949 dTdTCGCCUAGUUCGGAGUGGUU antisense 4014 4347 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Difluorotoluyl ++ 76 2472 950 dTdTCGCCUAGUUFGGAGUGGUU 4014 4348 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Difluorotoluyl ++ 2473 951 dTdTCGCCUAGUFUGGAGUGGUU 4014 4349 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Difluorotoluyl ++ 2474 952 dTdTCGCCUAGFUFGGAGUGGUU 4014 4350 4112 806 GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAdTdT Difluorotoluyl ′+ 70 2475 953 dTdTCGCCUAGFFFGGAGUGGUU 4014 2953 954 GCGGAUCAAGCCUCACCAAdTdT Mismatch 77 4180 807 dTdTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU sense 4014 2954 955 GCGGAUCAACCCUCACCAAdTdT Mismatch 73 4180 807 dTdTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU sense 4014 2955 956 GCGGAUCAAUCCUCACCAAdTdT Mismatch 73 4180 807 dTdTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU sense Duplexes are shown with the sense strand written 5′ to 3′. The complementary antisense strand is written 3′ to 5′. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy nucleotide; all other positions are ribo. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. “F” indicates a ribo-difluorotoluyl modification. Positions altered relative to the control duplex are indicated in bold face type.

TABLE 14 Oligonucleotides with 2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy-nucleosides targeting VEGF. PARENT AL- Expected Observed HPLC AL-DP-# DP-# AL-SQ-# Strand Sequence and Modifications Efficacy Mass Mass Purity 4014 4342 2478 antisense UT_(araF)GGT_(araF)GAGGUUT_(araF)GAUCCGCdTdT ++ 6728.02 6727.25 92.82 (SEQ ID NO: 957) 4112 sense GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT (SEQ ID NO: 929) 4014 4343 2479 antisense UT_(araF)GGT_(araF)GAGGUT_(araF)T_(araF)GAUCCGCdTdT +++ 6744.04 6743.22 91.97 (SEQ ID NO: 958) 4112 sense GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT (SEQ ID NO: 929) 4014 4344 2480 antisense UU_(araF)GGU_(araF)GAGGUUU_(araF)GAUCCGCdTdT ++ 6685.94 6685.13 94.83 (SEQ ID NO: 959) 4112 sense GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT (SEQ ID NO: 929) 4014 4345 2481 antisense UU_(araF)GGU_(araF)GAGGUU_(araF)U_(araF)GAUCCGCdTdT +++ 6687.93 6687.11 91.97 (SEQ ID NO: 960) 4112 sense GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT (SEQ ID NO: 929) 4014 4346 2814 sense GCGGAUC_(araF)AA ACCUC_(araF)AC_(araF)C_(araF)AAdTdT +++ 6699.14 6698.42 97.60 (SEQ ID NO: 961) 4180 antisense UUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCTT (SEQ ID NO: 924) Sequences are shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy nucleotide. “U_(araF)” indicates a 2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy-uridine, “T_(araF)” indicates a 2′-arafluoro-thymidine, and “C_(araF)” indicates a 2′-arafluoro-2′-deoxy-cytidine.

TABLE 15 Methylphosphonate-modified VEGF RNAs. PARENT AL- Calculated Found AL-DP-# SQ # Strand SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS Mass Mass Purity 4014 2501 sense GsCsGGAUC_(mp)AA ACCUC_(mp)A CcmpAsAsdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 962) 6712.50 4014 2502 antisense UsU_(mp)sGGUGAGGUU_(mp)UGAUCCGsCsdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 963) 6758.97 6766.1 4014 2503 antisense UsU_(mp)sGGU_(mp)GAGGUU_(mp)U_(mp)GAUCCGsCsdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 964) 6756.44 6743.99 The oligonucleotides are shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Subscript “mp” indicates a methyl phosphonate linkage. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy nucleotide.

TABLE 16 C-5 Allyamino-modified VEGF RNAs. PARENT AL- Calculated Found AL-DP-# SQ # Strand SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS Mass Mass Purity 4014 2504 antisense UsU_(aa)sG GU_(aa)GAGGUUU_(aa)GAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6925.38 6924.9 92.4 (SEQ ID NO: 965) 4014 2505 antisense UsU_(aa)sGGU_(aa)GAGGUU_(aa)U_(aa)GAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6980.40 6979.8 90.0 (SEQ ID NO: 966) The oligonucleotides are shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Subscript “aa” indicates an allyamino modification. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy nucleotide.

TABLE 17 Miscellaneous Modifications to VEGF RNA (single strands). PARENT AL- SEQ ID Calculated AL-DP-# SQ # Strand NOs SEQUENCE AND MODIFICATIONS Mass Found Mass Purity 4107 2192 sense 967 GsCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCsdTsdT 6843.36 6842.6 84.0 4107 2193 antisense 968 GsCUCAUCUCUCC*UAUGUGCsdTsdT 6584.3 6584.1 80.0 4107 2194 sense 969 GsCsACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGsCsdTsdT 6875.0 6874.2 88.7 4107 2196 antisense 970 GsCACAUsAGGAGAGAUGAGCsdTsdT 6875.5 6874.0 88.7 4014 2281 sense 971 GsCsGGAACAAUCCUGACCAsAsdTsdT 6755.4 6753.9 82.9 mismatch 4014 2282 antisense 972 UsUsGGUCAGGAUUGUUCCGsCsdTsdT 6720.0 6719.9 96.7 mismatch 4014 2299 sense 973 GCGGAACAAUCCUGACCAATT 6675.0 6673.8 85.9 mismatch 4014 2300 antisense 974 UUGGUCAGGAUUGUUCCGCTT 6639.9 6638.5 86.5 mismatch 4014 2200 sense 975 GsCsGGAUCAAACCUCACCAsAsdTsdT 6715.4 6714.3 86.0 4014 2201 antisense 976 UsUsGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6760.3 6759.6 91.2 4014 2202 sense 977 GsCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAsdTsdT 6683.2 6682.3 95.7 4014 2203 antisense 978 UsUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGCsdTsdT 6728.1 6727.3 87.6 4351 2206 sense 979 UUCUUUGGUCUGCAU UCAC 5913.4 5912.3 98.0 4359 2207 sense 980 UsUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6760.3 6759.05 92.0 4014 2210 sense 981 GsCsGGAUCAAACCUCsACCsAsAsdTsdT 6747.5 6746.6 82.7 4014 2212 sense 982 GsCsUCAUCUCUCCUsAUGUGsCsdTsdT 6616.3 6614.8 78.9 4014 2323 sense 983 GsCsGGAUCAAACCUC_(OMe)ACC_(OMe)AsAsdTsdT 6743.4 6742.3 90.0 4014 2324 sense 984 GsCsGGAUCAAACCU_(OMe)C_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AsAsdTsdT 6771.5 6770.4 86.8 4014 2325 sense 985 GsCsGGAUCAAACCUC_(OMe)sACC_(OMe)sAsAsdTsdT 6775.5 6774.6 87.6 4014 2499 sense 986 GsCsGGAUC_(OMe)AAACCUC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)C_(OMe)AsAsdTsdT 6771 6771.1 84.8 4014 2500 sense 987 GsCsGGAUdCAAACCUdCAdCdCAsAsdTsdT 6651.4 6650.6 82.6 4014 2506 antisense 988 Us^(5Me)U_(F)sGG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGGUU^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCGsCsdTsdT 6808.4 6808 82.0 4014 2507 antisense 989 UsU_(F)sGG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGGU^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6824.3 6823.3 80.2 4014 2508 antisense 990 Us^(5Me)U_(F)sGG^(5Me)U_(F)GAGG^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)UGAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6824.3 6823.4 84.3 4014 2509 antisense 991 UsU_(OMe)sGGU_(OMe)GAGGU^(5Me)U_(F) ^(5Me)U_(F)GAUCCGsCsdTsdT 6820.3 6822.0 85.0 4220 2780 antisense 992 GsC_(OMe)AC_(OMe)AU_(OMe)AGGAGAGAU_(OMe)GAGCU_(OMe)sU 6901.38 6900.77 89.29 4060¹ 2808 sense 993 AsGsCsUsUsAsAsCsCsUsGsUsCsCsUsUsCsAsA 6230.57 4060¹ 2809 antisense 994 UsUsGsAsAsGsGsAsCsAsGsGsUsUsAsAsGsCsU 6413.73 The oligonucleotides are shown written 5′ to 3′. Lower case “s” indicates a phosphorothioate linkage. Lower case “d” indicates a deoxy. Subscript “OMe” indicates a 2′-O-methyl sugar. Subscript “F” indicates a 2′-fluoro. “^(5Me)U” indicates a 5-methyl uridine. ¹The parent duplex has dT overhangs. The phosphorothioate-modified duplex has blunt ends.

TABLE 18 Physical characteristics of VEGF compounds derived from duplexes 4094, 4060, 4033, 4061, 4004, 4014, 4107 and 4003 Parent SEQ ID Sense strands Calc. Obs. duplex AL-SQ-# NOs Antisense strands mass mass AL-DP- 4326 608 5′-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU-3′ 6670.1 6670.0 4094 4327 609 3′-GUCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAA-5′ 7220.3 7220.0 Modif Seq Modifications 4554 997 5′-G*CACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCU*U-3′ 2PS 6830.3 6830.0 4557 998 5′-A*AGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGCU*G-3′ 2PS 7252.4 7252.0 4555 999 5′-G*CACAuAGGAGAGAUGAGCU*U-3′ 2xPS; 1xOMe 6844.3 6844.0 4558 1000 5′-A*AGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGcu*G-3′ 2PS, 2xOMe 7280.4 7280.0 4556 1001 5′-GcAcAuAGGAGAGAuGAGCu*U-3′ 1xPS; 5xOMe 6884.3 6884.0 4559 1002 5′-A*AGCUCAUCUCUCCuAUGUgcu*G-3 2xPS, 3xOMe 7294.4 7293.0 4563 1003 5′-G(dC)A(dC)AuAGGAGAGAuGAGCu*U-3′ 1xPS, 3xOMe, 2xdC 6824.3 6824.0 4560 1004 5′-AAGCUcAUCUCUCCuAuGuGCu*G-3′ 1xPS, 5xOMe 7306.4 7306.0 4564 1005 5′-G*CACAU_(2′F)AGGAGAGAUGAGCU*U-3′ 2xPS; 1x2′F 6832.2 6831.0 4561 1006 5′-AAGCUcAUCUCUCCuAuGuGcu*G-3′ 1xPS, 6xOMe 7320.4 7320.0 4565 1007 5′-GC_(2F)AC_(2F)AU_(2F)AGGAGAGAU_(2F)GAGCU_(2F)*U-3′ 1xPS; 5x2′F 6824.3 6823.0 4562 1008 5′-AAGCU(dC)AUCUCUCCuAuGuG(dC)u*G-3′ 1xPS, 4xOMe, 2xdC 7260.4 7260.0 4566 1009 5′-GC_(2F)AC_(2F)AuAGGAGAGAuGAGCu*U-3′ 1xPS, 3xOMe, 2x2′F 6860.3 6859.0 4568 1010 5′-AAGCUC_(2F)AUCUCUCCU_(2F)AU_(2F)GU_(2F)GCU_(2F)*G-3′ 1xPS, 5x2′F 7246.4 7244.0 4567 1011 5′-GcAcAU_(2F)AGGAGAGAU_(2F)GAGCU_(2F)*U-3′ 1xPS, 2xOMe, 3x2′F 6848.3 6847.0 4569 1012 5′-AAGCUcAUCUCUCCU_(2F)AU_(2F)GU_(2F)GCU_(2F)*G-3′ 1xPS, 1xOMe, 4x2′F 7258.4 tbd 4567 1013 5′-GcAcAU_(2F)AGGAGAGAU_(2F)GAGCU_(2F)*U-3′ 1xPS, 2xOMe, 3x2′F 6848.3 6847.0 4570 1014 5′-AAGCUC_(2F)AUCUCUCCuAuGuGCu*G-3′ 1xPS, 4xOMe, 1x2′F 7294.4 7292.0 4571 1015 5′-GcAcAuAgGaGaGaUgAgCu*U-3′ 1xPS, altern. 2′OMe 6954.3 6953.0 4572 1016 5′-aAgCuCaUcUcUcCuAuGuGcU*g-3′ 1xPS, altern. 2′OMe 7404.4 7403.0 4352 1017 5′-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGC-3′ blunt 6185.8 6186.0 4353 1018 5′-GCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGC-3′ blunt 5910.5 5910.8 AL-DP- 4061 1019 5′-CCCUGGUGGACAUCUUCCATT-3′ 6581.0 Tbd 4060 4159 1020 3′-TTGGGACCACCUGUAGAAGGU-5′ 6747.2 tbd Modif Seq Modifications 2580 1021 5′-cccuGGuGGAcAucuuccAT*T 1xPS, 2′OMe@Py, 6765.1 6764.0 2641 1022 3′-T*TGGGAC_(2F)C_(2F)AC_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F)GU_(2F)AGAAGGU_(2F)-5′ 1xPS, 2′F@Py 6777.3 6777.9 4934 1023 5′-(Chol)cccuGGuGGAcAucuuccAT*T 1xPS, 2′OMe@Py, 7470.0 7468.0 2641 1022 3′-T*TGGGAC_(2F)C_(2F)AC_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F)GU_(2F)AGAAGGU_(2F)-5′ 5′Chol 6777.3 6777.9 1xPS, 2′F@Py 4940 1024 5′-(Chol)*cccuGGuGGAcAucuuccAT*T 2xPS, 2′OMe@Py, 7486.0 7485.0 2641 1022 3′-T*TGGGAC_(2F)C_(2F)AC_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F)GU_(2F)AGAAGGU_(2F)-5′ 5′Chol 6777.3 6777.9 1xPS, 2′F@Py AL-DP- 4026 1025 5′-ACCAUGCAGAUUAUGCGGATT 6692.1 Tbd 4033 4093 1026 3′-TTUGGUACGUCUAAUACGCCU-5′ 6606.0 tbd Modif Seq Modifications 2586 1027 5′-aCcAuGcAGAuuAuGcGGAT*T 1xPS, 8x 2′OMe 6820.2 6819.0 2647 1028 3′-T*TU_(2F)GGU_(2F)AC_(2F)GU_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F)AAU_(2F)AC_(2F)GC_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F) 1xPS, 2′F@Py 6644.0 6644.0 4935 1029 5′-(Chol)aCcAuGcAGAuuAuGcGGAT*T 1xPS, 8x 7525.1 Tbd 2647 1028 3′-T*TU_(2F)GGU_(2F)AC_(2F)GU_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F)AAU_(2F)AC_(2F)GC_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F) 2′OMe; 5′Chol 6644.0 6644.0 1xPS, 2′F@Py 4941 1078 5′-(Chol)*aCcAuGcAGAuuAuGcGGAT*T 2xPS, 8x 7541.1 7539.0 2647 1028 3′-T*TU_(2F)GGU_(2F)AC_(2F)GU_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F)AAU_(2F)AC_(2F)GC_(2F)C_(2F)U_(2F) 2′OMe, 5′Chol 6644.0 6644.0 1xPS, 2′F@Py AL-DP- 4119 1030 5′-CAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUUCTT 6732.2 Tbd 4061 4187 1031 3-TTGUAUCCUCUCUACUCGAAG-5′ 6566.0 tbd Modif Seq Modifications 2596 1032 5′-CAuAGGAGAGAuGAGcuucT*T 1xPS, 2′OMe @allPy 6846.3 6845.0 2657 1033 3′-TTGuAuccucucuACucGAAG-5′ 1xPS, 2′F@Py 6604.1 6605.0 4936 1034 5′-(Chol)CAuAGGAGAGAuGAGcuucT*T 1xPS, 2′OMe @Py, 7551.2 Tbd 2657 1035 3′-TTGuAuccucucuACucGAAG-5′ 5′Chol 6604.1 6605.0 1xPS, 2′F@Py 4937 1079 5′-(Chol)*CAuAGGAGAGAuGAGcuucT*T 2xPS, 2′OMe@Py, 7567.2 7565.0 2657 1035 3′-TTGuAuccucucuACucGAAG-5′ 5′Chol 6604.1 6605.0 1xPS, 2′F@Py AL-DP- 2626 1036 5′-cAuAGGAGAGAuGAGCUUCT*T-3′ 1xPS, 3x 2′OMe 6790.3 6789.0 4331 2627 1037 3′-T*TGuAuCCUCUCUAcUCGAAG-5′ 1xPS, 3x 2′OMe 6624.1 6624.0 AL-DP- 4338 1038 5′-GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG-3′ 6828.3 tbd 4004 4339 1039 3′-UACACUUACGUCUGGUUUCUUUC-5′ Modif Seq Modifications 4350 1040 5′-GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAA-3′ blunt 6153.8 6154.0 4351 1041 5′-UUCUUUGGUCUGCAUUCAC-3′ blunt 5912.5 5911.8 4338 1038 5′-GUGAAUGCAGACCAAAGAAAG3′ blunt 6829.3 4344 1042 5′-CUUUCUUUGGUCUGCAUUCAC-3′ blunt 6523.9 6523.5 AL-DP- 2714 1043 5′-GuGAAuGcAGACcAAAGAAA*G-3′ 1xPS, 4x 2′OMe 6900.4 6900.0 4371 2722 1044 3′-U*ACAcUUAcGuCUGGuUUCUUUC-5′ 1xPS, 4x 2′OMe 7231.3 7230.0 AL-DP- 4112 806 5′-GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAATT-3′ 6634.1 6634.5 4014 4180 807 3′-TTCGCCUAGUUUGGAGUGGUU-5′ 6679.1 6680.3 Modif Seq Modifications 4318 1045 5′-GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAAGG-3′ blunt 6717.2 tbd 4342 1046 5′-CCUUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGC-3′ blunt 6681.0 6683.3 4346 1047 5′-GCGGAUCAAACCUCACCAA-3′ blunt 6025.7 6026.5 4347 1048 5′-UUGGUGAGGUUUGAUCCGC-3′ blunt 6070.6 6071.3 AL-DP- 4358 1049 5′-G*C*GGAUCAAACCUCACCA*A*T*T-3′ (2 + 3)PS 6714.4 6714.8 4127 2201 1050 3′-T*T*C*GCCUAGUUUGGAGUGG*U*U-5′ (2 + 3)PS 6759.3 tbd AL-DP- 4117 1051 5′-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCTT-3′ 6794.2 6794.0 4107 4185 1052 3′-TTCGUGUAUCCUCUCUACUCG-5′ 6518.9 6519.0 Modif Seq Modifications 4326 1053 5′-GCACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGCUU-3′ 6799.2 tbd 4345 1054 5′-AAGCUCAUCUCUCCUAUGUGC-3′ blunt 6569.0 6568.5 4354 1055 5′-G*CACAUAGGAGAGAUGAGC*T*T-3′ (1 + 2)PS 6842.4 6842.5 4356 1056 5′-G*C*ACAUAGGAGAGAUGAG*C*T*T-3′ (2 + 3)PS 6874.5 tbd AL-DP- 4286 1057 5′-GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCC-3′ 6670.1 6669.5 4003 4287 1058 5′-GGGUACUCCUGGAAGAUGUCCAC-3′ 7361.5 7362.0 Modif Seq Modifications 4348 1059 5′-GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUAC-3′ Blunt 6059.7 6059.5 4349 1060 5′-GUACUCCUGGAAGAUGUCC-3′ blunt 6036.7 6036.8 4286 1057 5′-GGACAUCUUCCAGGAGUACCC-3′ blunt 6671.1 tbd 4343 1061 5′-GGGUACUCCUGGAAGAUGUCC-3′ blunt 6727.1 6727.5 Abbreviations used: Lower case letters: 2′OMe ribonucleotides T: Deoxythymidine (Chol): Cholesterol Upper case letters followed by subscript 2′F: 2′F ribonucleotides (dC): Deoxycytidine Tbd: to be determined Upper case letters: regular ribonucleotides *Phosphorothioate linkage Altern.: alternating 

1. A method of inhibiting VEGF expression in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a double stranded iRNA agent, wherein the iRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand nucleotide sequence consists of SEQ ID NO:608 and the antisense strand nucleotide sequence consists of SEQ ID NO:609.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell is a human cell of a human subject.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject is diagnosed as having an ophthalmic disorder.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject is diagnosed as having macular degeneration.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject is diagnosed as having diabetic retinopathy.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject is diagnosed as having cancer.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method does not trigger an interferon response.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent comprises a non-nucleotide moiety.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sense and the antisense strands are stabilized against nucleolytic degradation.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent further comprises a phosphorothioate at the first internucleotide linkage at the 5′ end of the antisense and sense strands.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent further comprises a phosphorothioate at the first internucleotide linkage at the 3′ end of the antisense and sense strands.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent further comprises a phosphorothioate at the first internucleotide linkage at the 5′ end of the antisense and sense strands and at the first internucleotide linkage at the 3′ end of the antisense and sense strands.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one nucleotide of at least one strand of the iRNA agent is a 2′-modified nucleotide.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the 2′-modified nucleotide comprises a modification selected from the group consisting of: 2′-deoxy, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-methoxyethyl (2′-O-MOE), 2′-O-aminopropyl (2′-O-AP), 2′-O-dimethylaminoethyl (2′-O-DMAOE), 2′-O-dimethylaminopropyl (2′-O-DMAP), 2′-O-dimethylaminoethyloxyethyl (2′-O-DMAEOE), and 2′-O—N-methylacetamido (2′-O-NMA).
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent comprises a cholesterol moiety.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cholesterol moiety is conjugated to the 3′-end of the sense strand of the iRNA agent.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the cholesterol moiety is conjugated to the 3′-end of the antisense strand of the iRNA agent.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the cholesterol moiety is conjugated to the 3′-end of both the sense strand and the antisense strand of the iRNA agent.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein contacting the cell with the iRNA agent results in at least 80% inhibition of expression of an endogenous human VEGF121 gene in HeLA cells measured by ELISA assay.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein contacting the cells with the iRNA agent results in at least 95% inhibition of expression of an endogenous human VEGF121 gene in HeLA cells under hypoxic conditions as measured by ELISA assay.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein contacting the cells with the iRNA agent results in greater than 90% inhibition of expression of an endogenous human VEGF121 gene in HeLA cells as measured by ELISA assay, and wherein the iRNA agent is modified with a phosphorothioate linkage, a 2′-O-methyl nucleotide, or a 2′-fluoro-modified nucleotide.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the iRNA agent is more stable in rat retina lysates than in rat whole eye extracts.
 24. A method of inhibiting VEGF expression in a cell comprising the step of contacting the cell with a double stranded iRNA agent, wherein the iRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand consists of SEQ ID NO:671 and the antisense strand consists of SEQ ID NO:939.
 25. A method of treating a disease or condition associated with VEGF expression in a subject comprising administration of an effective amount of a double stranded iRNA agent to the subject, wherein the iRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand nucleotide sequence consists of SEQ ID NO:608 and the antisense strand nucleotide sequence consists of SEQ ID NO:609.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein administration is at or near the site of VEGF expression.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein administration is to the eye by injection.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein administration is to a cell or cells in a choroid region of the eye.
 29. The method of claim 25, wherein administration is performed at a unit dose selected from a group consisting of: about 0.00001 mg to about 3 mg per eye; about 0.0001-0.001 mg per eye; about 0.03-3.0 mg per eye; about 0.1-3.0 mg per eye; and about 0.3-3.0 mg per eye.
 30. The method of claim 25, comprising multiple administrations.
 31. The method of claim 25, wherein the method is prophylactic.
 32. A method of treating a disease or condition associated with VEGF expression in a subject comprising administration of an effective amount of a double stranded iRNA agent to the subject, wherein the iRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand consists of SEQ ID NO:671 and the antisense strand consists of SEQ ID NO:939.
 33. An isolated double stranded iRNA agent, consisting of SEQ ID NO: 609 and SEQ ID NO:
 608. 34. An isolated double stranded iRNA agent, consisting of SEQ ID NO:671 and SEQ ID NO:939. 